At the 311th Sinj Alka festival held on Sunday, tensions flared between local officials and national authorities over healthcare policies and infrastructure investments. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended the event, expressing support for the centuries-old tradition, while Sinj’s mayor, Miro Bulj, refused to sit with government representatives in the official VIP section. Bulj criticized the central government for dismantling the Sinj maternity ward, calling it a direct blow to the region's heritage and identity tied to the Alka celebration. Plenković praised the organization of the Alka, stating that the government supports the event “from the heart.” He emphasized the state’s commitment to balanced regional development, noting continued investment in Sinj and the Cetina region. The prime minister highlighted his personal involvement in promoting the Alka during his time in the European Parliament, suggesting a shared cultural pride across Croatia. In contrast, Bulj accused the government of undermining healthcare services in the area. During his remarks, he stated, “Today they will pose for photos with the alkari in the official VIP section, yet they are the ones who shut down the maternity ward and effectively destroyed healthcare services.” He pointed out that despite numerous historical occupations of Sinj, from the Ottomans to modern times, the maternity ward had always remained intact. For him, both childbirth and the Alka represent key elements of the region’s identity, not just for Sinj and Dalmatia but for Croatia as a whole. Bulj declared it his duty to protect the right of children born in the Cetina region to be delivered in Sinj rather than in Split or elsewhere. He called on the government to open a general hospital in the town, adding that Sinj also requires improved road infrastructure and other promised investments. His refusal to take his seat in the VIP section was a visible act of protest against what he perceives as neglect by the central government. The absence of Bulj from the VIP section was immediately noted. The spot intended for him, between the head of the Knights of the Alka Society, Stipe Jukić, and the Split-Dalmatian county mayor, Blaženka Boban, remained empty. This prompted a brief mention from the Alka’s vojvoda, Marijo Šušnjara, who greeted Bulj in his speech with the words, “Greetings to Mayor Miro Bulj, wherever you may be.” Political figures present at the event responded to the situation. Nikola Grmoja, leader of the Most party, defended Bulj’s actions, arguing that populism means being close to the people rather than exploiting them. He praised Sinj for its low taxes, high wages, free kindergartens, and positive demographic trends. Grmoja suggested a provocative slogan for future elections targeting the HDZ: “What we didn’t sell, we poisoned.” Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), acknowledged the need to respect Bulj as a mayor but urged that personal conflicts should be set aside on such occasions. He emphasized that SDP aims to be active on the ground, offering solutions rather than merely criticizing. Dončić warned that the upcoming parliamentary elections would likely boil down to a choice between SDP and organized crime, suggesting that the public must choose between these two options. The controversy surrounding the Alka highlights deepening divisions between local governance and the central administration. While the festival itself proceeded as planned, the political undercurrents were palpable. Attendees witnessed not only the traditional competition among knights but also a symbolic confrontation over regional autonomy, healthcare access, and infrastructure development. Bulj’s decision to skip the VIP section was not made lightly. In a Facebook post titled “Alka for the People,” he expressed pride in Sinj’s resilience and criticized the government for ignoring the needs of the region. He described the closure of the maternity ward as a direct attack on the Alka tradition and the identity of the Sinj community. Additionally, he referenced the recent issue of hazardous waste in Lika, which he claimed was mishandled by the central government. The arrangement of guests in the VIP section also drew attention. President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Plenković did not sit together, instead being separated by other officials. The presence of high-profile politicians underscored the significance of the event, even as it became a stage for political grievances. As the Alka commenced, the atmosphere was charged with both the spirit of tradition and the weight of contemporary disputes. Local residents and visitors alike bore witness to a festival steeped in history, now intersecting with pressing political issues. The event, meant to celebrate unity through sport and culture, inadvertently became a reflection of broader societal tensions.
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