Rijeka mayor rejects demands to restore controversial mural, criticizes ideological pressures

Rijeka Mayor Iva Rinčić has firmly rejected demands from the opposition HDZ party to reinstate a controversial HOS mural featuring the "Za dom spremni" (Ready for the Homeland) salute and a chessboard starting with a white square. The mural, previously located on an overpass, was removed by the city. The HDZ had threatened to withdraw cooperation if the mural was not restored in its original form.

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If someone conditions their support in the City Council on one graffiti, let them withdraw it today.

Rinčić responded defiantly, stating that if any party's support hinges on a single graffiti, they should withdraw it immediately. She emphasized that a partnership that can be shattered by a Facebook post or a municipal action is not a true collaboration and declared she would not regret its loss. The mayor highlighted that she faces attacks from both the left and the right, with former mayor Obersnel accusing her of succumbing to the right, while HDZ representative Miletić expressed shame for having supported her candidacy.

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You two, who otherwise disagree on everything, perfectly agree on one thing: the city must be an ideological fortress and from its walls, only your voters should be appeased.

"You two, who otherwise disagree on everything, perfectly agree on one thing: the city must be an ideological fortress and from its walls, only your voters should be appeased," Rinčić stated, addressing her critics. She characterized their approach as demanding allegiance to their political banners and slogans. "The message is clear – stand under our flag, learn the slogans, and the army is yours," she added.

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My message to them, but also to all Rijeka citizens, is short and clear: I am not considering it.

The mayor accused her opponents of perpetuating decades-long ideological battles because no one wants to win them, suggesting that an unresolved outcome is most profitable for those who benefit from division. "My message to them, but also to all Rijeka citizens, is short and clear: I am not considering it," she declared. Rinčić asserted that true courage lies in breaking free from the pressure to constantly take sides. She concluded by stating that the city deserves to be led by reason, work, and results, not by cheap ideological slogans.

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This city deserves to be led by reason, work, and results, not by cheap ideological slogans.