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Why has the wildlife landfill rehabilitation failed? Ministry: No bid, costs skyrocket
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive10 days ago

Why has the wildlife landfill rehabilitation failed? Ministry: No bid, costs skyrocket

The cleanup of illegal waste at the PPK Velebit site in Gospić has entered a new phase, with the estimated cost of removing scattered waste near the silo increasing from 2.1 million to 4.72 million euros before VAT. The Environmental Protection Fund is seeking contractors for the removal of approximately 650 tons of waste in 'big bag' containers, while exploring options for handling buried waste abroad. The Ministry of Environment and Green Transition detailed the timeline of actions taken by both the ministry and the fund since the site was included in the Waste Management Plan in May last year. Despite efforts to attract bids through public tenders, no offers were received initially. Additional consultations with potential contractors revealed that the technical requirements and costs depend heavily on the composition of the waste, particularly chlorine content. Due to these findings, the estimated cost of the first phase of remediation increased significantly. A separate tender process has been initiated specifically for the removal of the 650 tons of non-hazardous waste in big bags, with an estimated value of 400,000 euros before VAT. The deadline for submitting bids in botht 1

Premier Andrej Plenković has publicly addressed the ongoing issue of illegal waste disposal in Gospić, emphasizing that the situation is being tackled through legal, remedial, and political channels. According to reports, the government has confirmed that there is no threat to drinking water based on measurements conducted by the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ). During a meeting involving representatives of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency (FZOEU) and HZJZ expert Krunoslav Capak, it was stated that all tests clearly indicate no danger to the water supply in Lici. The premier also announced that the HZJZ will provide public updates on water quality within three to four days. Further actions in remediation depend on criminal proceedings and inspections. The case, which led to meetings of the Prime Minister’s inner cabinet and ruling coalition, involves illegal dumping of large quantities of hazardous waste in multiple locations across Lici, including Gospić, Štikad and Lički Osik. The Croatian Intelligence Service (USKOK) launched an investigation into Josip and Monika Šincek and others last year, with the case expanding to new locations and additional individuals over time. Plenković criticized the opposition for using the issue for political gain, accusing them of spreading panic among residents through misinformation. He argued that the opposition's actions were motivated by public opinion polls and changing political trends, aiming to attract media attention. In contrast, Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić emphasized that the government is actively working to resolve the issue, stating that they have raised the activities of all relevant ministries to the highest level. He noted that the government has implemented three key principles: continuous monitoring of water quality, regular publication of testing results, and immediate remediation efforts. Bačić acknowledged that the first public tender for waste removal failed due to lack of responses, while the second is scheduled for August 25th. However, he clarified that the government does not wait for this date, as preparations are already underway, and inquiries have been sent to approximately 70 European companies capable of handling the waste. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has detailed the progress made so far, noting that the estimated cost of removing scattered waste near the PPK Velebit site has increased from 2.1 million euros to 4.72 million euros without VAT. This increase follows new insights into the complexity of the task, particularly regarding the composition of the waste and the need for specialized treatment. Additionally, the ministry is exploring options for disposing of around 650 tons of waste stored in “big bags,” with a separate tender process set to conclude by the end of August. For the more complex issue of buried waste, the ministry is consulting with numerous international operators and considering long-term storage solutions, such as utilizing closed salt mines. Meanwhile, local authorities, including Mayor Darko Milinović of Gospić, have expressed frustration with the slow pace of action. Milinović accused the government of failing to take direct action despite legal provisions allowing for expedited procedures in exceptional circumstances. He claimed that over a year and a half, not a single kilogram of hazardous waste has been removed from the area, calling the situation unacceptable. Milinović pointed to documents from 2023 indicating that the city had warned about the accumulation of tens of thousands of tons of waste and the growing concern among residents regarding water safety. The controversy highlights deepening tensions between the government and local officials, with accusations of bureaucratic delays and lack of transparency. While the government maintains that it is following legal protocols and prioritizing environmental protection, critics argue that the response has been too slow and ineffective. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on resolving the waste crisis and restoring public confidence in both the environment and governance.

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HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 8512 days ago
Plenkovic on the waste in Gospić: Resistance to disinformation spreads panic

Premijer Andrej Plenković objasnio je situaciju s ilegalnim odlaganjem otpada u Lici, uključujući Gospić, Štikadu i Lički Osik, naglašavajući da nema ugroze za pitku vodu prema podacima Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo. Naglasio je da su na sastanku sudjelovali predstavnici Fonda za zaštitu okoliša i Krunoslav Capak iz HZJZ, koji su potvrdili sigurnost vode. Plenković je također istaknuo da su aktivnosti u sanaciji ovisile o kaznenom postupku i izvidima, te da je vlada planira financijsku nadoknadu. Dodatno, kritizirao je oporbu za iskorištavanje teme za političke poene i širenje panike putem dezinformacija.

Bias read (Center): Artikl neutralno prikazuje situaciju s otpadom kao politički i državni problem, citira službene izvore (HZJZ, Fond za zaštitu okoliša), i kritizira oporbu za političko iskorištavanje teme bez evidentnog stranih slanja. Nema jednostrane izvoreništva ili izbjegava izrazito političke stajališta, što ga

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports Premier Plenković's statements regarding the handling of hazardous waste in Gospić, citing the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) and mentioning specific figures like 37,000 tons of waste. It aligns closely with the cross-source consensus, particularly with Art

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting Plenković’s statements without overt bias. However, it does emphasize the government's actions and responses, which may slightly favor the official narrative over alternative perspectives.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8015 days ago
The obvious will show the cause of the accident, it's good that there are no victims

Premijer Andrej Plenković je izrazio žaljenje zbog sudara vlakova kod Škrinjari, naglašavši da je dobro što nema žrtava i da će očevid razjasnit uzrok nesreće. U isto vrijeme, govorio je o problemu nezakonito odloženog otpada na području Gospića, ističući potrebu za procesiranjem odgovornih osoba i pripremom cjelovitog planskog dokumenta za sanaciju. Pominje slučaj baliranog otpada u Varaždinu kao primjer uspješne državne intervencije. Također je objasnio da je gradonačelnik Gospića Darko Milinović bio pozvan na sastanak s ministrom graditeljstva, ali da je bio spriječen. Na pitanje o mogućem poskupljenju goriva, Plenković je naveo da će bilo kakvo poskupljenje biti minimalno, jer je vlast već pet mjeseci regulirala cijene.

Bias read (Center): Članak predstavlja informacije o političkom problemu (nezakonito odložen otpad), ali se fokusira na objektivno izlaganje stanja i reakcije vlasti bez jasno izraženog stranih ili domaćeg političkog slanja. Premijer izražuje žaljenje, objašnjava situaciju i navodi mjere koje bi trebale biti poduzete,š

Why factuality (90): This article provides accurate information about Plenković's comments on the illegal waste disposal in Gospić and his call for accountability. The mention of the Varaždin case and the need for a comprehensive cleanup plan matches the cross-source consensus. However, it briefly mentions a train colli

Why objectivity (80): While the article presents facts objectively, it includes some emotionally charged phrases such as 'dobro je da nema žrtva' ('it's good there were no victims'), which introduces a slight emotional undertone. The focus on the government's response may subtly favor the official stance.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 7510 days ago
We don't just stand by, we do all the work.

Ministar prostornog uređenja, graditeljstva i državne imovine Branko Bačić odgovorio je na pitanja vezana uz ilegalna odlagališta opasnog otpada u Lici, te planove za njihovu sanaciju. U toku razgovora sa gostom Dnevnika HRT-a, Bačić je objasnio da je vlada podigla aktivnosti svih relevantnih ministarstava na najvišu razinu i da se vodi tri načela: kontinuirano mjerenje kvalitete vode, javno objavljivanje podataka i brzo uklanjanje otpada. Nije čekao tradicionalni natječaj za sanaciju koji je zakazan za 25. kolovoza, već je počeo pregovor sa 70 kompanijama u Europi. Sanirani otpad će biti odvezen izvan Hrvatske.

Bias read (Center): Čak iako se radi o politički kontroverznim temama poput otpada i vode, tekst ne pokazuje jasno slanje ka lijevoj ili desnoj strani. Informacije su predstavljene neutralno, bez evidentnog editorijalnog slanja. Ministar Bačić je dao detaljne objašnjenja i planove, ali bez evidentnog kritičkog ili podr

Why factuality (85): The article reports directly on statements made by Branko Bačić, including his reassurance about water quality based on HZJZ results. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that the government is taking action and monitoring water quality. The information is presented as per official statements,

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat reassuring but leans towards supporting the government's actions. There is an emphasis on the government's efforts and reassurances, which may reflect a more supportive stance toward the administration.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 6512 days ago
Plenković is not telling the truth.

Gospićki gradonačelnik Darko Milinović je u intervjuu RTL Direktu oštro kritizirao hrvatsku vladu i premijera Andreja Plenkovića zbog sporog rješavanja problema opasnog otpada u regiji. Tvrdi da je vladajuća strana mogla pokrenuti izravni pregovarački postupak za sanaciju, ali je proces trajao više od godinu i pol, tokom kojeg nije odvezen ni jedan kilogram otpada. Milinović navodi da je grad već 2023. bio upozoren na odlaganje desetaka tisuća tona otpada, a građani su bili zabrinuti zbog kontaminacije vode. Kritizira i vladu za lažne objašnjenja i nedostatak akcije, tvrdeći da se problem može riješiti bez dodatnih propisa.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents a strong critique of the government and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, using emotionally charged language such as 'lies' and 'disregard for citizens.' It emphasizes the failure of the central government to act swiftly on environmental issues, frames the government as negligent

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reflects the content of the primary source document by quoting Darko Milinović’s criticisms of the government and Premier Plenković, including his claim that the government could have initiated direct negotiation procedures and that no waste was removed in 1.5 years. It also m

Why objectivity (65): The tone of the article leans towards criticism of the government and Premier Plenković, using strong language like 'oštro kritizirao Vladu' and emphasizing the frustration of citizens. While it presents the facts, it frames them in a way that supports Milinović’s perspective, potentially influencin

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 7513 days ago
Why has the wildlife landfill rehabilitation failed? Ministry: No bid, costs skyrocket

The cleanup of illegal waste at the PPK Velebit site in Gospić has entered a new phase, with the estimated cost of removing scattered waste near the silo increasing from 2.1 million to 4.72 million euros before VAT. The Environmental Protection Fund is seeking contractors for the removal of approximately 650 tons of waste in 'big bag' containers, while exploring options for handling buried waste abroad. The Ministry of Environment and Green Transition detailed the timeline of actions taken by both the ministry and the fund since the site was included in the Waste Management Plan in May last year. Despite efforts to attract bids through public tenders, no offers were received initially. Additional consultations with potential contractors revealed that the technical requirements and costs depend heavily on the composition of the waste, particularly chlorine content. Due to these findings, the estimated cost of the first phase of remediation increased significantly. A separate tender process has been initiated specifically for the removal of the 650 tons of non-hazardous waste in big bags, with an estimated value of 400,000 euros before VAT. The deadline for submitting bids in botht 1

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation regarding the illegal waste site, detailing the steps taken by the Ministry and the Environmental Protection Fund, the challenges faced in securing bids, and the financial implications. It does not exhibit clear bias towards any particular政治派

Why factuality (70): This article continues the discussion on the cost increase and challenges in finding contractors for the cleanup. It cites the Ministry's timeline and the legal basis for the Fund's involvement. While it includes additional details about the tender process and technical requirements, these are prese

Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, though it emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the government's commitment to legal compliance. There is a slight leaning towards highlighting the complexity of the issue, but no clear political bias is evident.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 7015 days ago
Plenkovic: Those responsible for the waste ending up there will be held accountable

Hrvatski premijer Andrej Plenković je izrazio žaljenje zbog sudara vlakova kod Škrinjara, ističući da nema žrtava i da će očevid objasniti uzrok nesreće. U toku razgovora, Plenković je također dao svoje mišljenje o problemu nezakonito odloženog otpada na području Gospića, naglašavši potrebu za procesiranjem odgovornih osoba i pripremom cjelovitog plana sanacije. Pominje prethodni slučaj baliranog otpada u Varazdinu, gdje je država stala iza projekta sanacije. Također je objasnio da je proces nabave mora proći sukladno zakonu, a da je urgentnost već ugrađena u rad svih službi. Poruka građanima je da će oni koji su odgovorni za otpad odgovarati, dok će se otpad sanirati. Plenković je također naveo da je gradonačelnik Gospića Darko Milinović bio pozvan na sastanak s ministrom graditeljstva, ali da je bio spriječen. Na pitanje o mogućem ponovnom poskupljenju goriva, Plenković je rekao da bi bilo minimalno, a da je Vlada već pet mjeseci regulira cijene. Naglasio je i povećanje braniteljskih mirovina, smatrajući da se ispravlja nepravda prema braniteljima iz vremena prethodnih vlada. Odbacio je kritiku nekih drugih stranaka koje su pravili PR, tvrdeći da su neki potezi neizvjesni. Poveća

Bias read (Center): The article presents Premier Plenković's statements on two separate issues: a train collision and waste management. While the tone is somewhat critical of local authorities regarding waste disposal, there is no overtly partisan framing. The discussion remains focused on policy and governance rather

Why factuality (70): This article repeats much of the content from the previous ones, including Premier Plenković's comments on accountability and the need for a comprehensive cleanup plan. It also touches on the train collision incident, which appears unrelated. The information is consistent with other sources but lack

Why objectivity (70): The tone is more emotive when discussing the train accident, expressing concern for those involved. While the main focus on waste cleanup remains neutral, the inclusion of the unrelated train incident introduces a slightly less objective frame.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 70Objective 5511 days ago
Selak Raspudić: I expect Milanović not to be a ficus president but to take responsibility

Marija Selak Raspudić, članica parlamenta iz stranke Drito, govorila je na programu 'Novi dan' o problemima zagađenja voda i tla posljedičnim odlaganjem opasnog otpada u Gospiću. U razgovoru s Tihomirom Ladišićem, ističe političke posljedicе afere, posebno u vezi s predsjednikom Zoranom Milanovićem, za kojeg traži da prihvatite odgovornost umjesto da bude 'predsjednik fikusa'. Tema razgovora pokriva okolišne probleme i njihove političke implikacije.

Bias read (Progressive): Artikl naglašava kritiku prema Milanoviću, koristeći izraz 'predsjednik fikusa', što ukazuje na desnički slant. Međutim, autor koristi poziv na odgovornost kao poziv na lijevu stranu. Iako je izraz 'fikus' jasno desnički, kontekst razgovora i pitanje o odgovornosti sugerira lijevu poziciju. Kritika,

Why factuality (70): The article mentions Marija Selak Raspudić discussing water and soil contamination after the discovery of hazardous waste in Gospić but lacks specific details or direct quotes from her interview. This makes it less precise compared to the first article. It also doesn't provide enough information to

Why objectivity (55): The article appears biased toward the opposition viewpoint, focusing on the negative implications of the waste scandal without offering a balanced view of the government's position or any official responses. The tone suggests a critical stance toward the current administration without neutrality.

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