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Gospić waste scandal sparks mass protests in Croatia
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Zagreb for the “Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia” protest, demanding government action against the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in the Lika region, specifically near Gospić. The protest was organized by the “Gospić is Our Home” initiative, which issued an ultimatum for a comprehensive remediation plan to be presented within 20 days and the removal of approximately 33,000 tons of buried waste within three months.
Authorities estimate the total amount of illegally dumped waste in the area is between 34,000 and 37,000 metric tons, much of which reportedly arrived from Italy, Germany, and Slovenia during 2023 and 2024. An expert report by USKOK identified elevated concentrations of metals and PFAS compounds in the soil and groundwater, raising significant environmental and public health concerns.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has visited the site and announced that a contractor has been selected for the first phase of cleanup. Minister Marija Vučković stated that a full remediation plan will be presented by September 20. However, protesters and opposition members continue to criticize the government for slow response times and alleged corruption regarding the waste import scandal.
Entities
Andrej Plenković · Croatia · Europol · Gospić · Gospić is Our Home · Gospić je naš dom · Lika · Marija Vučković · USKOK · Zagreb · Zoran Milanović
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] Authorities estimate there are between 34,000 and 37,000 metric tons of illegally dumped waste near Gospić. trn.mk · racin.mk · entrevue.fr · wtop.com · kontroll.hu · +5 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Suspects involved in the illegal waste trade made at least 4 million euros in profit. entrevue.fr · wtop.com · www.latimes.com · trn.mk · abcnews.al · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] An expert report by the anti-corruption agency USKOK found elevated metal concentrations and PFAS compounds in the soil and groundwater. wtop.com · www.latimes.com · entrevue.fr · euronews.bg · ekolist.cz
- [● 8 SOURCES] The illegal waste originated from Italy, Germany, and Slovenia. entrevue.fr · trn.mk · euronews.bg · www.jungewelt.de · ekolist.cz · +3 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The 'Gospić Is Our Home' initiative claims no hazardous waste has been removed from the area to date. wtop.com · www.latimes.com · m.metro-portal.hr · metro-portal.hr · euronews.bg
- [● 13 SOURCES] Protesters issued an ultimatum for a remediation plan within 20 days and the removal of waste within three months. trn.mk · racin.mk · wtop.com · www.latimes.com · metro-portal.hr · +7 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Minister Marija Vučković announced a waste remediation plan for Gospić will be presented by September 20. www.lika-express.hr