In a dramatic political turn, Sandra Benčić, coordinator of the "Možemo!" movement, has called on coalition partners of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) to challenge Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s leadership following the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in Gospić. In a fiery message posted on her Facebook page, Benčić accused Plenković of failing to take responsibility for the environmental disaster and demanded immediate action from his allies within the ruling coalition. Benčić claimed that the situation in Gospić has reached a critical point, urging coalition partners such as the Homeland Movement, the Civic Alliance of the Croats, and the Croatian People's Party to demonstrate their commitment to accountability rather than merely supporting HDZ. She argued that the ongoing crisis has exposed the failures of the government and its institutions, with the consequences being felt by future generations. The call came after the Ministry of Environment and Energy announced the results of an expert investigation conducted by the Military Geodetic Institute (USKOK). According to the findings, approximately 37,000 tons of mixed waste were found at the site in Bilajsko naselje, with dangerously high levels of ecotoxicity and heavy metals including copper, lead, and antimony. Additionally, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," were detected in groundwater samples taken downstream of the dumpsite, with concentrations exceeding safe limits for human consumption. Benčić emphasized that the current moment demands decisive action, stating that the coalition partners have the opportunity to either stand up for their citizens or continue to act as subservient supporters of HDZ. Her message, which included the phrase “TODAY IS THE TIME,” echoed calls for transparency and accountability, warning that failure to respond could result in irreversible damage to public health and the environment. Meanwhile, SDP leader Sinisa Hajdaš Dončić has also joined the growing pressure on the government, announcing that the party will move to withdraw the government’s confidence in light of the Gospić scandal. In a statement, he described the incident as a tipping point, emphasizing that the issue transcends left-right politics and requires a unified approach to uphold the rule of law and protect national interests. Dončić criticized the current administration for its inability to address systemic governance issues, pointing to frequent ministerial changes and the lack of political accountability. He urged all political actors to support efforts to hold officials accountable, stressing that the government must be prepared to accept responsibility for actions affecting the country. He further called for a special session of the parliamentary committee on environmental protection and nature conservation, hosted in Gospić, and invited all parties and representatives to participate. Dončić challenged leaders to answer basic questions regarding who authorized the illegal dumping, who bears responsibility, and how institutions failed to act promptly. Marko Vučetić, a former member of parliament and philosopher, took to social media to condemn both the authorities and the prime minister, accusing them of prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of children and the nation. He dismissed empty rhetoric about love for the homeland and instead demanded justice against those responsible for environmental harm. Vučetić used strong language to describe the current state of society, claiming that there is no true parental care in Croatia, and that politicians who allow harmful policies should be held accountable. His comments highlighted a broader frustration among critics who feel the government is failing to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children. As tensions escalate, the government faces mounting pressure to provide clear answers and take meaningful steps toward addressing the environmental crisis. With legal investigations underway and political opposition intensifying, the coming days will likely see increased scrutiny of the ruling coalition and its response to the Gospić case.
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