Tens of thousands gathered in Zagreb to protest the government's slow progress in cleaning up over 30,000 tons of waste in central Croatia, which environmentalists claim is polluting local drinking water and the environment.
The protest highlights significant public concern over environmental protection and government accountability in Croatia, potentially impacting public trust and future policy decisions regarding waste management and industrial pollution.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Zagreb's central square on Saturday to protest the Croatian government's perceived failure to address the significant environmental hazard posed by over 30,000 tons of waste stored in central Croatia.
The protest, dubbed "Walk for Lika," highlighted concerns over the waste's impact on the Lika region's environment and drinking water. Environmentalists claim the waste, which includes medical and industrial materials, is contaminating the air, soil, and water in an area known for its natural beauty. They accuse the government of a slow response.
Protesters displayed banners such as "The Lungs of Croatia Can No Longer Breathe" and "Stop the Destruction of Croatia." Verica Jurnjak, a protester from Gospić, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's actions, stating the site should have been cleaned up much earlier and questioning the care for future generations.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited Gospić recently, announcing that a contractor had been selected for the first phase of the cleanup, which involves removing the waste. Croatian actor Rade Serbedzija, known for his roles in Hollywood films, also attended the rally, emphasizing the duty to protect the country and calling for accountability.