Erol Gaši, president of Zadar's SDP, posted a brief message on Facebook proposing a legal ban on fireworks during the summer months. "Fireworks should be banned by law during the summer months. People, what's wrong with you?" Gaši wrote, accompanied by a poignant photo of exhausted firefighters sleeping at the fire site.
Criticism for Politicizing the Omiš Fire
Gaši's post comes after he previously attempted to score points off the catastrophic fire in Omiš, which earned him a wave of criticism. According to Antena Zadar, Gaši called for a meeting of the City Council presidency and club presidents, knowing they lack the authority to make decisions on financial and other aid to Omiš.
Vice President of the City Council, Jurica Vučetić, confirmed that the City Council does not have the authority to make such decisions, and that only the mayor can. Gaši immediately reported the call on Facebook, which was interpreted as an attempt to score cheap political points on events where such behavior is unacceptable.
Finally a Sensible Message
Media criticism and reactions on social networks have apparently borne fruit, as the president of Zadar's SDP has finally made a move that has been met with approval. The proposal to ban fireworks during the summer months, when the risk of fire is highest, has been deemed wise and sensible.
Instead of convening meetings without authority, Gaši was suggested to have gone to Omiš to volunteer or send financial and material aid to people who lost everything in the firestorm.