Dubrovnik Mayor, under police protection, discusses controversial urban plan

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, currently living under police protection due to threats, has spoken about the city's controversial new General Urban Plan (GUP). The plan, which proposes transforming over 180 existing construction zones into green spaces, has escalated beyond local politics to become a major national debate in Croatia.

Franković's initiative has sparked strong political reactions and serious threats, necessitating his current security detail. He recently delivered a speech at the opening of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, declaring that "space must no longer be a commodity." This statement has resonated widely, drawing support from academics and political opponents alike.

The mayor believes the issue of spatial protection is becoming a rare point of consensus in Croatia. He suggests that Dubrovnik's model for urban development could serve as a precedent for other cities. In the interview, Franković also addresses the political challenges of implementing the new GUP, affordable housing, sustainable tourism, the city's transportation future, and his long-term vision for Dubrovnik.