Kerum Attacks Judiciary, Vows to Block Urban Plan Changes

Croatian politician Željko Kerum has launched a scathing attack on the judiciary and the State Attorney's Office, alleging a politically motivated persecution campaign against him. The leader of the Croatian Civic Party (HGS) spoke out following a 9,000 euro fine imposed on his party for late campaign donations during the 2022 local elections.

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My complaints are in drawers, and when it comes to me, everything is resolved in record time.

Kerum specifically targeted Judge Ana Radovani Belić, claiming she was deliberately assigned his case. He asserted that his own complaints about alleged irregularities in city projects remain unprocessed in "drawers," while his cases are expedited. "My complaints are in drawers, and when it comes to me, everything is resolved in record time," Kerum stated, questioning the timing and fairness of the judicial process.

The politician also accused the deputy mayor of nepotism for allegedly assigning a city apartment to his father, demanding to know why his own complaints were not being investigated. Kerum further claimed that inaccurate media reports about his property in Rogoznica caused a hotel company to withdraw from a contract, leading to a lawsuit.

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If you are talking about trading influence, why are you not investigating the case when the deputy mayor gives a city apartment to his father?

Kerum linked the intensified pressure to his opposition to proposed changes in the General Urban Plan (GUP) for Split. He believes he has become an obstacle to individuals seeking to profit from urban planning and city projects. The HGS will not support the GUP amendments until citizens have full access to the proposal and can provide feedback. Despite these disputes, Kerum affirmed that the HGS would remain part of the ruling coalition with the HDZ, stating, "The coalition will not collapse, even if they beat me with a hammer."

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The coalition will not collapse, even if they beat me with a hammer.