Prihvaćen plan gospodarenja otpadom Splitsko-dalmatinske županije

A Croatian opposition politician has accused the ruling party of exploiting citizens through heavy taxation and economic mismanagement, calling the country’s government a “war booty” for the ruling party. Ivan Marković, mayor of Supetar and a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), criticized the government's recent announcement of increased taxes on small rental properties during an interview with public broadcaster Nova TV. She argued that these measures disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens while failing to adequately monitor illegal activities in the tourism sector. Marković highlighted that Croatia currently has over 700,000 informal rental units, many operated by families who rent to friends and relatives. Despite this, she claimed that inspections and field control remain minimal, with only 165 inspection visits conducted nationwide in 2024. She emphasized that these measures primarily target honest workers, particularly small family-run rental businesses, which have been hit hardest by the new tax rules. The increase in tax rates, she said, reflects a broader pattern of economic exploitation under the current administration. She further accused Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and his political circle of engaging in systemic corruption and mismanagement, claiming that they have long exploited public funds and failed to modernize the economy. According to Marković, the government has consistently pursued policies that favor certain groups while neglecting others, leading to growing inequality and social division. She pointed to the lack of effective use of European Union funds and the failure to implement sustainable economic reforms, arguing that the current system has led to widespread disillusionment among citizens. Marković also criticized the ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Congress (HDZ), for its repeated involvement in scandals involving public resources and criminal networks. She described the HDZ as having a history of corruption, including embezzlement, bribery, and collusion with organized crime. She warned that the government is increasingly resorting to new methods of extracting public money, even if indirectly, through legal frameworks and policy decisions that benefit a select few at the expense of ordinary citizens. In addition to her criticism of the government’s economic policies, Marković expressed concerns about the impact of inflation on everyday life. She noted that rising prices have significantly affected the cost of living, especially in the hospitality industry, where restaurant owners face declining profits due to higher costs. While she acknowledged that the tourist season might still bring some relief, she called for more targeted fiscal measures, such as increasing taxes on large retail chains, which she claims generate substantial revenue through price hikes. Meanwhile, local authorities in the Split-Dalmatia County have approved a waste management plan for the period 2024–2029. The plan outlines the completion of the Waste Management Center in Lećevica, with options to expand existing landfills if the project is delayed. The center will include facilities for non-hazardous waste disposal, mechanical-biological treatment of municipal waste, and six transfer stations in key locations across the region. Local officials have praised the plan as a necessary step toward improving waste management infrastructure, though some critics have raised concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on past promises regarding the project’s timely completion. Several council members from the opposition parties have voiced skepticism about the government’s track record in managing public projects, particularly the Waste Management Center. Some have suggested alternative names for the facility, such as “Mečevica” or “Nećevica,” implying that the project could become another symbol of bureaucratic inefficiency. Others have warned that delays in completing the center could lead to increased transportation costs for residents, as waste would need to be sent farther away for disposal. These criticisms reflect ongoing tensions between the ruling party and local authorities, highlighting the challenges of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects in a politically polarized environment.