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๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore /Environment & Climate

Tens of thousands rally in Zagreb over delays in Croatia waste cleanup

From CNA · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Newswire From a news agency Ongoing story
  • Tens of thousands rallied in Zagreb against the government's failure to begin removing more than 30,000 tons of waste stored in Croatia's Lika region.
  • Environmental groups say the waste, much of it imported from Italy, threatens air, soil and water near Gospiฤ‡.
  • Prime Minister Andrej Plenkoviฤ‡ said a contractor had been selected for the cleanup's first phase, but protesters demanded faster action and accountability.

Tens of thousands of people filled Zagreb's central square on Saturday for one of Croatia's largest protests in several years. Under the banner "Walk for Lika," they demanded action over hazardous waste that environmentalists say threatens drinking water in the country's mountainous Lika region.

We are dissatisfied with the government's response. The site should have been cleaned up a long time ago.

· Verica JurnjakJurnjak criticized the delayed cleanup at the Zagreb rally.

Authorities uncovered between 34,000 and 37,000 tons of waste near Gospiฤ‡ last year. Much of it had been imported from Italy in 2023 and 2024. The government promised to clear the site, but environmental groups say little progress has followed.

The groups say the waste includes medical and other industrial material that is contaminating air, soil and water. Lika is known for its extensive unspoiled nature, and protesters carried banners declaring, "The Lungs of Croatia Can No Longer Breathe," "Stop the Destruction of Croatia" and "Nature Does Not Forgive."

It is a shame that no one cares about our children and their future.

· Verica JurnjakShe described the protest's concern for public health and future generations.

"We are dissatisfied with the government's response. The site should have been cleaned up a long time ago," said Verica Jurnjak, who travelled from Gospiฤ‡ to attend the rally. "It is a shame that no one cares about our children and their future."

I am here because I have to be here. It is our duty to stand up for our country.

· Rade ล erbedลพijaThe actor explained why he attended the demonstration.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkoviฤ‡ visited Gospiฤ‡ on Wednesday and said the government had chosen a contractor for the first stage, which involves removing waste from the site. Actor Rade ล erbedลพija also joined the protest. "I am here because I have to be here. It is our duty to stand up for our country," he said. "What has happened is a disgrace, and someone must be held accountable."

What has happened is a disgrace, and someone must be held accountable.

· Rade ล erbedลพijaล erbedลพija condemned the waste situation and called for accountability.
About this summary

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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