Plenkovic: I'm not going to the Saturday protest, I'm going to Italy
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated he would not attend the Saturday protest 'Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia' in Zagreb because he would be attending a conference in Italy. He emphasized that his government focuses on solving problems rather than protesting. The protest, organized by citizens around the Civic Initiative 'Gospic is Our Home,' aims to highlight issues related to tens of thousands of tons of illegally dumped waste in the Gospic area. Plenković confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible, involving 14 physical and four legal entities. He also mentioned that water quality tests conducted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health show that drinking water in Gospic and the entire Licko-Senjska county is safe for consumption. Additionally, he announced changes to the legal framework to strengthen penalties for environmental crimes.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has confirmed he will not attend the Saturday protest titled "March for Lika, March for Croatia," scheduled for September 5 in Zagreb. Instead, he will be attending a conference in Italy. Plenković stated that his government focuses on resolving problems rather than participating in demonstrations. He addressed reporters during a strategic forum on Bled, responding to questions about whether he or members of his cabinet would join the demonstration organized by citizens associated with the Civic Initiative "Gospić is Our Home." The protest aims to draw attention to issues related to tens of thousands of tons of illegally dumped waste in the Gospić area. Plenković acknowledged that there is a problem with illegal waste disposal at locations approved by local authorities for such purposes. He noted that criminal proceedings have been initiated against 14 physical and four legal entities responsible for the unauthorized dumping. He emphasized that the Croatian Institute for Public Health continues monitoring the safety of drinking water in Gospić and the entire Ličko-Senjska county, confirming it is safe for consumption. He added that the government is working on legal changes to strengthen penalties for environmental crimes. Regarding the project "robot taxis" funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPRO), Plenković explained that while the project has not received final approval from German authorities, Croatia has fulfilled all necessary prerequisites, including infrastructure and legislative changes. He highlighted that Croatia's performance under the NPRO has been favorable, with over €7.3 billion already disbursed and expectations of meeting nearly all criteria set by the European Union. Miro Bulj, a member of the Most party and mayor of Sinj, announced that the Saturday protest for Lika will mark the beginning of broader civic action. He stated that the initiative has gained support from various groups, including defenders of Lika, Catholic pro-life organizations, and football fan clubs. Bulj urged participants to bring Croatian flags and military unit banners, emphasizing the historical victory over the Yugoslav People's Army and domestic traitors. He called for continued resistance against local corruption and mafia-like practices. The protest, organized by the initiative "Gospić is Our Home," addresses concerns about illegal waste dumps not only in Gospić but also in other areas facing similar issues. Organizers argue that these sites pose long-term threats and require decisive action. However, some citizens expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of protests, suggesting more radical measures might be needed. Online discussions have revealed conflicting narratives around the protest. Some media reports claim that members of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) have circulated messages urging supporters to label protesters as extremists, anti-Croatians, or Yugoslavs. These claims were denied by HDZ officials, who accused radical leftists of attempting to exploit the protest for political gain. Meanwhile, figures like former football coach Igor Štimac have criticized organizers, accusing them of being parasitic and promoting non-traditional values. Several public figures, including singer Severina, have encouraged participation in the protest, framing it as a defense of Croatian interests against corruption and environmental harm. She emphasized the need for unity among different groups, regardless of their ideological backgrounds. Similarly, leaders from both the left and right have called for broad participation, rejecting attempts to politicize the event. The protest follows a pattern of previous demonstrations that faced similar accusations of being politically motivated. For example, last November’s "United Against Fascism" march was labeled anti-Croatian by some segments of the public, despite its focus on broader social issues. This history underscores the importance of focusing on the organizers' intentions rather than potential provocations.
3 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 658/31/2026
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated he would not attend the Saturday protest 'Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia' in Zagreb because he would be attending a conference in Italy. He emphasized that his government focuses on solving problems rather than protesting. The protest, organized by citizens around the Civic Initiative 'Gospic is Our Home,' aims to highlight issues related to tens of thousands of tons of illegally dumped waste in the Gospic area. Plenković confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible, involving 14 physical and four legal entities. He also mentioned that water quality tests conducted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health show that drinking water in Gospic and the entire Licko-Senjska county is safe for consumption. Additionally, he announced changes to the legal framework to strengthen penalties for environmental crimes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Prime Minister Plenković's statements neutrally, focusing on his explanation for not attending the protest and his government's actions regarding the illegal waste issue. There is no evident bias in the framing, word choice, or emphasis. The content provides balanced information
Why factuality (85): Premier Plenković's statement is reported accurately, including his absence due to an Italian conference and his comments on the government's role in solving problems. The article references legal actions taken against those responsible for illegal waste dumping, which aligns with other reports. The
Why objectivity (65): While the article presents Premier Plenković's position objectively, it also includes his dismissive remarks about the protest, suggesting a slight bias. The tone is somewhat critical of the protest movement, though it does not overtly take sides beyond reporting the premier's statements.
Miro Bulj, saborski zastupnik Mosta i sinjski gradonačelnik, pozvao je građane na prosvjed za Liku koji će se održati subotu, 5. rujna, u Zagrebu. U svojoj poruci na Facebooku, opisao je prosvjed kao početak šire borbe protiv 'izdajnika' i 'mafije', uz naglasak na podršku stranaka poput 'Gospić je naš dom' i 'Pravo na život'. Bulj je istaknuo da su 'Plenkovićeve jurišnike' pokušali prikazati prosvjed ljevičarskim, ali njegova strategija nije uspjela. Očekuje se veliki broj sudionika, uključujući branitelje, katoličke udruge i navijačke skupine. Bulj je također naveo da će doći s beretkom četvrte gardijske brigade i hrvatskom zastavom, podcrtavajući historijsku vezi s Domovinskim ratom.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the protest as a patriotic and nationalist movement against 'leftist' influences, using strong nationalist rhetoric and references to historical battles against communism and Serbia. The term 'Plenkovićeve jurišnici' (Plenković's marchers) is used pejoratively, implying they are '
Why factuality (82): This article provides a direct quote from Miro Bulj, detailing his support for the protest and his criticism of 'Plenkovićevi jurišnici.' It includes specific details about the protest location and timing, which are corroborated by other sources. The mention of specific groups like 'lički branitelji
Why objectivity (60): The article has a strong nationalist tone, using phrases like 'Hrvatski branitelji' and 'zastave ratnih postrojbi,' which suggest a clear political stance. The language is emotive and supportive of the protest, while downplaying the opposing views, indicating a lack of balance.
The article discusses a protest in Zagreb against illegal waste dumping, organized by the initiative 'Gospić is our home.' Protesters argue that such issues are not limited to Gospić but affect many locations across Croatia. The movement has sparked debate online, where some users claim that supporters of the protests are labeled as extremists, anti-Heretics, and Yugoslavs. The HDZ party has denied these claims, calling them amateurish attempts to discredit the protest. Meanwhile, prominent figures like former football player Igor Štimac have labeled protesters as anti-Heretic, while others like Severina have called for unity and participation in the demonstration. The article highlights the polarized reactions to the protest, with some fearing ideological manipulation and others emphasizing the need for collective action.
Bias read (Center): While the article covers a politically sensitive issue involving accusations of ideological labeling, it presents multiple perspectives without clear editorial bias. It includes voices from both the HDZ party and activists, as well as public opinion, suggesting a balanced approach rather than a slan
Why factuality (78): The article reports on a protest organized by 'Gospić je naš dom' and mentions concerns about illegal waste dumping. It cites statements from Daria Došen and local residents, as well as reactions from HDZ and media. While there is no primary source, the information aligns with the cross-source conse
Why objectivity (65): The tone leans towards supporting the protesters and criticizing the opposition, particularly mentioning the HDZ's alleged smear campaign. The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'ekološke aktiviste' and frames the protest as a necessary action, showing bias toward the organizers.
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