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2026-10-09 18:00 UTC → 2026-10-16 13:15 UTC ·
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A The political dispute has emerged in Križevci regarding administrative autonomy and its relationship with Koprivničko-križevačka County. An initiative has been proposed to separate the city from the county and join Zagreb County, driven by claims of systemic neglect and stronger economic ties to the Zagreb metropolitan area. Proponents of the separation, including former City Council president Ivan Majdak, suggested a referendum could be held if political relations do not improve. County Prefect Tomislav Golubić has dismissed these claims, asserting that the city has received significant funding and characterizing the movement as a political tactic. A central point of contention is intensified, focusing on the authority to issue building and occupancy permits. City leadership, including Mayor Tomislav Katanović, argues Katanović and City Council President Goran Hrg argue that the current centralized county process causes significant administrative delays that hinder managed by Koprivnica-Križevci County hinders economic development and EU-funded projects. investment. Katanović reported that permit processing in Križevci averages four to six months, whereas in Bjelovar, permits are issued in approximately 26 days. The city has demanded leadership maintains they possess the same autonomy granted necessary technical and human resources to other towns, such as Đurđevac, manage these tasks, noting that current processing times other municipalities like Đurđevac already hold such autonomy. In response to the county’s refusal to grant these powers, opposition members in Križevci are significantly longer the Koprivnina-Križevci County have collected 13 signatures to convene an extraordinary session of the County Assembly. Katanović has accused the county administration, led by Tomislav Golubić, of ignoring the city’s request for nearly six months and acting as an instrument for party interests rather than in comparable municipalities. serving citizens. The tension has renewed discussions regarding a potential referendum. While Katanović stated he is not personally initiating a secession referendum to join Zagreb County, he did not rule out the possibility if needs continue to be ignored. As a potential compromise, Mario Vrbanić, president of the county HDZ, suggested an advisory referendum specifically regarding permit issuance as an alternative to full administrative separation.