Ahead of the emergency meeting called by Prime Minister Plenković, the Možemo! MP called on the Homeland Movement, HSLS, and HNS to defy HDZ over the hazardous waste scandal in Gospić.
Možemo! MP Sandra Benčić sent a sharp message to HDZ's coalition partners just before the emergency meeting that Prime Minister Andrej Plenković called for Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. The reason for the extraordinary gathering at Banski dvori is the escalation of the hazardous waste disposal scandal in Gospić, which Benčić considers a key test of political responsibility.
In a social media post, Benčić directly called out the Homeland Movement, HSLS, HNS, and other MPs supporting the parliamentary majority, suggesting that the next few hours would determine their political future.
"That hour or two will determine the political fate of the Homeland Movement, HSLS, HNS, the won tokens, and others, because today will show whether they are political actors at all or just humble HDZ yes-men," Benčić said.
The MP stressed that all members of the ruling majority share part of the responsibility for the environmental problem in Lika, which she claims will leave long-term consequences for the local community and the environment. She called on them to stop supporting a system that, in her words, favors individuals at the expense of the public interest.
"All coalition partners are co-responsible for the crime in Gospić, which generations will feel on their own skin. If you have a minimum of political responsibility, today you will defy those who created such a system so that a few could profit at the expense of the entire country," Benčić told N1 television.
The problem with hazardous substances in the Gospić area has been in the public spotlight for months, and the opposition, including MP Dalija Orešković and members of the civic initiative Gospić je naš dom, insists on fully uncovering all those involved in the case. According to available information, a multi-phase remediation plan is being drafted, and a tender for waste disposal is being announced.
Benčić called on coalition partners to side with citizens demanding accountability and to distance themselves from HDZ. The final message was direct and dramatic.
"Now is the moment to step away from HDZ's toxic embrace and join your citizens who rightly demand accountability for those who have been handing Croatia over to the waste mafia for years. Today is not a day for nodding your head; today you finally need to raise it!" Benčić concluded.
While the political crisis continues, Prime Minister Plenković attended the 311th Sinjska alka on Monday, August 10, where he congratulated the winner, Tino Radanović, on his victory with 12 punata. The same day, the government adopted decrees on new, lower fuel prices effective from Tuesday. According to the decision, gasoline dropped by 0.06 euros per liter to 1.56 euros, and diesel by 0.04 euros to 1.71 euros per liter. The new prices will be in effect for the next seven days.
