Because of the waste in Gospić, a protest in Zagreb is possible

The mayor of Gospić, Darko Milinović, has warned that further contamination from illegally dumped hazardous waste could lead to protests in Zagreb if the government does not act swiftly to clean up the site. Speaking during an appearance on Nova TV's Dnevnik program, Milinović reiterated his call for urgent action by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and the Croatian government to accelerate the remediation process. He emphasized that the government is solely responsible for any additional pollution resulting from the delay in addressing the issue. The situation in Gospić has been under investigation for over 16 months, yet Milinović expressed frustration with the lack of progress. He pointed out that no additional forensic examinations have been conducted since the initial findings were released, despite concerns raised by experts regarding the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals", in groundwater. These substances are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Milinović questioned why tests for PFAS had not been carried out directly on the waste itself, noting that experts have already indicated the current findings are limited and insufficient as conclusive evidence in legal proceedings. According to Milinović, the key takeaway from the forensic analysis is that the speed of the cleanup will determine whether further contamination occurs. He highlighted that in the past 17 months, not a single kilogram of hazardous waste has been removed from Gospić, raising doubts about the government’s ability to devise a final solution for its disposal. The mayor also mentioned that the estimated cost of remediation exceeds 100 million euros, underscoring the financial burden associated with the cleanup effort. While emphasizing the safety of the public water supply, Milinović noted that analyses of the municipal water system are being conducted nearly daily and currently show no health risks. However, he cautioned that without immediate intervention, there is a risk of further spread of contamination. This warning comes amid growing public concern over environmental and health impacts linked to the illegal dumping of toxic materials in the area. Milinović stated that he would continue waiting for a response from the relevant authorities but made it clear that if no concrete actions are taken soon, he would organize a demonstration in Zagreb to draw attention to the issue. His remarks reflect mounting pressure on the government to address the environmental crisis in Gospić, which has become a focal point for discussions on environmental regulation and accountability in Croatia. The mayor’s statements highlight the ongoing tension between local officials and national authorities regarding the management of hazardous waste. While the government has acknowledged the problem, critics argue that the pace of resolution has been inadequate given the severity of the contamination. Environmental groups and local residents have long called for stricter enforcement of waste management laws and more transparent communication from officials handling the case. As the debate continues, the situation in Gospić serves as a test of the government’s commitment to environmental protection and public health. With the possibility of protests looming, the need for decisive action appears increasingly urgent. The mayor’s warning underscores the delicate balance between ensuring environmental safety and maintaining public trust in governmental institutions tasked with safeguarding both.