Croatia opposition demands government resignation over Gospić waste scandal

Opposition politicians in Croatia are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s government following a major hazardous waste incident in Gospić. Arsen Bauk of the SDP criticized the state's failure to recognize the danger posed by approximately 37,000 tons of hazardous waste, which reportedly arrived via 1,500 trucks. Bauk questioned the effectiveness of the State Inspectorate and criticized 2019 regulations that he claims reduced oversight of waste imports.

In Osijek-Baranja County, SDP representative Sanja Bježančević demanded the government take political responsibility, specifically opposing plans to use the waste at the NEXE cement plant in Našice. She argued that Slavonia should not serve as a dumping ground for external problems. While the Osijek-Baranja County Assembly rejected a proposal to force the government to withdraw its decision regarding the waste, local officials stated that the NEXE cement plant will only accept non-hazardous waste that meets strict laboratory analysis and permit requirements.