Croatian PM downplays Lika pollution crisis, blames opposition and media

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has characterized the growing concern over significant pollution in the Lika region as an overblown issue, primarily fueled by the opposition and media. The controversy centers on 32,000 tons of hazardous waste illegally dumped in Gospić, which a State Attorney's Office report warns could contaminate local water sources.

Plenković suggested that opposition parties are exploiting the situation for political gain, citing opinion polls showing shifts in public sentiment. He also implied that media coverage, alongside local civic initiatives demanding an ecological state of emergency, is exaggerating the problem. The Prime Minister stated that the government would face criticism regardless of how it handled the cleanup, whether through open tenders or direct agreements.

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I fully understand the opposition. They saw polls where trends have changed, so they are using the situation to regain some media attention.

While the timeline for the third phase of remediation, involving the removal of mixed and buried hazardous waste, remains unclear, Plenković noted that the first tender for loose waste failed due to a lack of interested bidders. A second tender's deadline is August 25, after which a direct agreement might be pursued if no contractors are found. The Prime Minister rejected personal responsibility for the ecological crisis, despite the earlier investigation involving his former chief state inspector. He did, however, announce plans to toughen penalties for environmental crimes and introduce a new charge of ecocide.

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Those same people would criticize the government if it decided to award the job through direct negotiation.