Full Breakdown
Tens of Thousands Rally in Zagreb Over Illegal Toxic-Waste Dump Near Gospic
9/7/2026, 12:44:59 PM
Core Event
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a crowd estimated in the tens of thousands gathered in Zagreb’s central square to demand that the Croatian government remediate an illegal landfill near Gospic in the Lika region. Protesters called for a publicly disclosed cleanup plan with binding deadlines within 20 days and the removal of all buried waste within three months, as well as an immediate ban on waste imports.
Background & Context
Croatian police, working with Europol, uncovered a scheme that imported hazardous material—primarily from Italy, with shipments from Slovenia and Germany—between 2023 and 2024. The waste, including plastics, electronics, construction debris and medical refuse, was buried at an abandoned industrial site near Gospic. The operation generated at least €4 million in illicit profit, and 13 individuals were arrested in February. The scandal has become a focal point for criticism of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s administration, which opponents accuse of downplaying the environmental risk.
Data & Statistics
- Estimated waste volume: 30,000–37,000 tons.
- Profit from illegal imports: at least €4 million.
- Arrests: 13 people detained.
- Affected population: Gospic has roughly 12,000 residents; the surrounding karst terrain could transport contaminants toward the Adriatic Sea.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Plenkovic visited the site in early September, saying a contractor had been selected for the first phase of waste removal and that the government would temporarily cover the landfill to protect it from rainwater. Officials claim soil and water tests have not shown contamination, a position that contrasts with Croatia’s anti-corruption agency USKOK, which reported elevated metal concentrations in the soil and PFAS “forever chemicals” in nearby groundwater. The administration says investigations are ongoing and the public-health threat is being monitored.
Criticism & Opposition
Protest organizers, led by the “Gospic Is Our Home” civic initiative, argue that the government’s assurances are insufficient. Community leader Vjekoslav Busic said the failure extends beyond any single official, questioning the institutions that allowed the dumping. Demonstrator Ivan Rittinger called the situation “not a tragedy, a crime,” accusing officials of profiting while ignoring warning signs. Opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party and the anticorruption party Most, joined the rally, underscoring the political breadth of dissent.
On-the-Ground Reports
The march began at King Tomislav Square, proceeded through the city, and culminated at Ban Jelacic Square, where speakers included actor Rade Serbedžija and other public figures. Residents such as Željka Šikic, who lives 50 metres from the waste silos, described daily health fears and called the situation an “eco-mafia” issue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Waste quantity: Estimates range from “more than 30,000 tons” to “about 37,000 metric tons.”
- Environmental impact: Government statements claim no contamination, whereas USKOK identifies elevated metals and PFAS in soil and groundwater.
- Timeline of discovery: Some sources cite the dumping being uncovered in 2024, while others reference investigations beginning in February 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The result to date: Not a single kilogram (pound) of hazardous waste has been removed from Gospic,” — Vjekoslav Busic
- “We are dissatisfied with the government's response. The site should have been cleaned up a long time ago,” — Verica Jurnjak
What’s Next
The government indicated that the selected contractor will begin partial waste removal while a longer-term remediation strategy is drafted. Protesters continue to press for a comprehensive plan with binding deadlines within 20 days and full removal of the waste within three months, as well as legislation to strengthen the Environmental Protection Act and a temporary ban on waste imports.
