Thousands in Croatia Rally to Demand Cleanup of Hazardous Waste
A crowd gathered in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, demanding the urgent cleanup of illegal hazardous waste in the town of Gospic and criticizing government policies.
Thousands of people gathered in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, to protest against the government, demanding the immediate cleanup of illegal hazardous and toxic waste discovered in the town of Gospic.
Large-Scale Environmental Protest in Zagreb
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, on Saturday to protest against the government over illegal hazardous waste that has remained uncleaned for months.
This situation, which has heightened fears of an environmental disaster in the European Union member state, has increased public anger toward conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and his government.
The Illegal Waste Crisis in Gospic
Last February, Croatian police and Europol arrested 13 people in connection with the illegal import and disposal of waste, determining that the suspects had generated millions of euros in profits.
There are concerns that approximately 37,000 metric tons of waste found at an abandoned industrial site in Gospic threaten public health and contaminate groundwater.
Protesters' Demands and Reactions
Demonstrators demanded a clear plan for the urgent and complete cleanup of the polluted areas and an immediate ban on waste imports.
Vjekoslav Busic from the "Gospic is Our Home" initiative pointed out that despite reports dating back to 2023, no hazardous waste has been removed from the town.
Official Investigation and Government Approach
USKOK continues to investigate allegations that a Croatian company buried illegal toxic waste in several different locations.
Government officials stated that cleanup operations are ongoing, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic accused political opponents of creating panic for gain.