Politician Slams Government Over 'Greatest Ecocide' in Gospić Waste Scandal

Sandra Benčić, a prominent figure from the Možemo! party, has sharply criticized the Croatian government regarding illegally dumped waste in Gospić. Visiting the heavily polluted site, she described it as the scene of "the greatest ecocide we remember in the last few decades." Benčić asserted that relevant institutions failed to react in a timely manner, despite knowing about the issue for an extended period.

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This is the greatest ecocide we remember in the last few decades.

Benčić argued that the site represents a "capitulation of the Croatian state" in favor of profit, with the damage being immeasurable for the citizens of Gospić and a significant financial burden for all Croatian citizens who will have to fund the cleanup. She claimed that waste had been illegally disposed of at the location for years, and authorities, including the relevant ministry, were aware of the problem and the potential presence of hazardous materials for at least 18 months.

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This is a place where the Croatian state allowed its capitulation. And a capitulation in favor of profit – profit that remained in private pockets, and damage that remains not only for the citizens of Gospić, immeasurable damage, but also financial damage for all citizens of the Republic of Croatia who will have to pay for the remediation of this place.

Concerns have been raised about dangerous chemicals, specifically PFAS compounds known as "forever chemicals," detected in the groundwater. However, the water supplied to Gospić residents remains of adequate quality. Benčić questioned the procedure for remediation, suggesting that invoking public procurement processes now delays the necessary urgent action.

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Now they say they still have to wait because they have to go through public procurement. They wouldn't have to go through public procurement if they had started remediation immediately upon learning about it due to the urgency.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković responded to the criticism, stating that the waste would be remediated and those responsible for its illegal dumping would be prosecuted. He likened the situation to the state's involvement in remediating baled waste in Varaždin, indicating that the government would participate in resolving the Gospić issue. Benčić demanded immediate remediation and political accountability from the minister and other responsible institutions.

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The damage that has occurred here, at this place, is damage that generations will pay for.