Dubrovnik-Neretva Prefect Blaž Pezo faces scrutiny over real estate business

Blaž Pezo, the Prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, is facing scrutiny following revelations that he entered into a real estate business as a co-owner of the company Vrtovi Pila d.o.o. alongside former footballer Anto Aračić. The company holds properties valued at a minimum of two million euros.

During a County Assembly session, Pezo was questioned by MOST councilman Ivica Dajak regarding the value of his stake and the source of his investment funds. Pezo declined to provide specific financial details, stating that he sold other assets to fund the investment and that his involvement was legal and transparently declared. He further claimed he had transferred his management rights to avoid conflicts of interest and notified the relevant commission.

The scandal has caused internal tension within the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Branko Bačić, who lobbied for Pezo's election, expressed concern over the situation. Reports suggest that HDZ leader Andrej Plenković has indicated that Bačić should handle the fallout of his protégé's actions. Political observers note that because Pezo is currently in the first half of his mandate, an immediate resignation might not trigger new elections, potentially allowing his deputy to succeed him.