HDZ hits back at Sinj mayor over Sinjska alka boycott

The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) has issued a strong rebuke to Miro Bulj, the mayor of Sinj, for his decision to boycott the prestigious 311th Sinjska alka tournament. Bulj had refused to sit in the ceremonial box alongside government representatives, an action the HDZ labeled as a "show" and attributed to his perceived self-importance.

HDZ stated, "We are sorry that Bulj is putting on a show again, but it is not unexpected. He has always been most important to himself. More important than the Alka, Sinj, the VAD, the vojvoda, the celebration of Operation Storm, and the Homeland War." The party further intensified its criticism, asserting, "This is what happens when, as mayor, you have a lack of achievements, and an excess of malice and vanity."

Bulj had previously explained his absence by expressing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of Sinj and the Cetina region, particularly the closure of the Sinj maternity ward. He argued that the government's actions undermined the Alka tradition and that officials were engaging in political posturing. "Sinj has pride, Sinj has a spine, and we will not allow anyone to humiliate us! The Government of the Republic of Croatia closed the Sinj maternity ward, directly attacking the Alka and our tradition, and today they are posing for pictures with the Alkar knights," Bulj wrote on Facebook.

He also pointed to unfulfilled promises regarding the local hospital, healthcare services, and transportation infrastructure. Bulj felt ignored as an elected mayor, interpreting the government's behavior as disrespectful. He cited the issue of hazardous waste in Lika as further evidence of government negligence, declaring it "pure treason." Consequently, he decided not to take his seat in the ceremonial box for the first time.

Bulj concluded his statement by asserting that Sinj is not a venue for political appearances but a city that defends faith, tradition, nation, and culture, a city with a stance. His empty seat in the ceremonial box, between the president of the Knights' Association of Alka Stipe Jukić and the prefect of Split-Dalmatia, Blaženko Boban, was noticeable during the event. The Alka vojvoda, Marijo Šušnjara, acknowledged Bulj's absence by offering a greeting, "Greetings also to Mayor Miro Bulj wherever he may be!" The event was attended by top state officials, including President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.