Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Zagreb, demanding urgent action from the Croatian government to address a hazardous waste scandal. Residents accuse officials of negligence as over 30,000 tonnes of toxic waste, including medical and industrial materials, remain buried near Gospic, threatening the environment and public health.
The protests highlight a growing frustration with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s administration, which faces allegations of corruption and inadequate responses to environmental crises. Despite government assurances that soil and water tests show no contamination, independent assessments reveal concerning levels of harmful chemicals, raising fears about the long-term impact on the region’s health and tourism.
Demonstrators are calling for a comprehensive cleanup plan with strict deadlines, reflecting a deep mistrust in official narratives. The situation underscores the potential for environmental damage to escalate, as porous terrain could allow pollutants to reach the Adriatic Sea, jeopardizing local livelihoods.
As the government begins to take steps toward waste removal, the protests signal a broader demand for accountability and transparency in environmental governance, with citizens increasingly unwilling to accept inaction on critical issues that affect their lives and communities.
Source: Al Jazeera
