MP uses angle grinder to reopen blocked beach access, vows to continue until state acts

Most party lawmaker Marin Miletić once again took matters into his own hands, using an angle grinder to cut through a lock and reopen a public access path to Costabella beach. Accompanied by dozens of party members and boats, Miletić declared that maritime property belongs to all citizens, not exclusively to hotel corporations and elites. He vowed to persist in opening access points until the state begins enforcing its own legislation.

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I don't feel comfortable as a member of parliament having to come with an angle grinder and cut fences. But the people did not elect me to the Croatian Parliament to feel comfortable, but to do my job. When the state does not do its job, I have to do what is good for the people, and that is to ensure people have access to the Croatian sea and our beaches.

"I don't feel comfortable as a member of parliament having to come with an angle grinder and cut fences. But the people did not elect me to the Croatian Parliament to feel comfortable, but to do my job. When the state does not do its job, I have to do what is good for the people, and that is to ensure people have access to the Croatian sea and our beaches," Miletić stated. He shared a video of the act on his Facebook page.

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There is so much trolling going on that there is a massive level of self-censorship, particularly among the opinion-makers and among the journalists.

Miletić pointed out that the concession for Costabella beach was granted in 2015, during Zoran Milanović's government. While the concession decision allows for fencing, it explicitly prohibits charging entry fees. A May 2023 statement from the Ministry of the Sea further clarified that the concessionaire cannot completely exclude citizens who are not hotel guests, and the beach must remain accessible to all users. "They have turned our beach into Alcatraz, with high fences extending into the sea on both sides. The rich and the elite can enjoy the Croatian sea, while the people have to swim in the rocks. This is unacceptable. Access to maritime property must be free and available to every person," Miletić asserted.

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They have turned our beach into Alcatraz, with high fences extending into the sea on both sides. The rich and the elite can enjoy the Croatian sea, while the people have to swim in the rocks. This is unacceptable. Access to maritime property must be free and available to every person.

The lawmaker has filed criminal complaints against those responsible at JTH Costabella for allegedly illegally restricting access and charging for beach entry. He first removed chains and locks in early June and has repeated the action multiple times as the concessionaire reinstalled them. Miletić presented documents from the Ministry and stated that the State Attorney's Office is investigating the case. He urged the authorities to act on the evidence, including receipts and testimonies from citizens who claim they were denied beach access without purchasing a hotel package. The hotel has denied charging entry, claiming a €130 bill was for a wellness package.

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Don't make fools of us. I have submitted material evidence and testimonies from Rijeka residents who could not access the beach without paying. If the concession contract is violated, the state can and must terminate it. It is not true that contracts cannot be changed, but the political caste does not want to change them because they cover for each other.