Croatia: County Prefect Resigns as Local Party Chief Amid Scandal

Ernest Petry has resigned as the president of the HDZ party's Lika-Senj County organization, citing a situation connected to him. While stepping down from the party leadership role, Petry affirmed his commitment to remaining a member of the HDZ and available to the party. He also stated his intention to continue serving as the Prefect of Lika-Senj County, expressing eagerness for future cooperation for the development of the county and Croatia. The resignation comes after Petry's private conduct was captured on video in a cafe, showing him in an embrace with a woman significantly younger than him. Local media identified the woman as an employee of a public institution within the county. The footage quickly circulated, drawing public attention and overshadowing discussions about hazardous waste issues in the region. Krunoslav Katičić, a Member of Parliament and the HDZ's Secretary-General, commented that while Petry's behavior was inappropriate for his public office, party statutes do not allow for expulsion based on private life matters. He emphasized the need to protect individuals' privacy. Despite the lack of statutory grounds for removal from the party, Petry has lost his position as county party leader. This is not the first time Petry's behavior has drawn scrutiny; he was previously involved in an incident at a restaurant in Novalja in April, which required police intervention. The party is reportedly under pressure not to call for new elections in the county, especially given the ongoing environmental concerns regarding hazardous waste.