On Saturday, the Prime Minister commented on the railway accident near Škrinjari and announced the abolition of income tax on pensions for 580,000 retirees, as well as resolving the third case of reduced veterans' rights.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković spent Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the Neretva Valley on the occasion of the 29th Neretva Boat Marathon. Ahead of the traditional race along the 22.5-kilometer stretch from Metković via Opuzen to Ploče, he met with representatives of the Neretva Boatmen's Association and local leaders, and answered journalists' questions on a range of current topics.
Among the first topics was the serious railway accident that occurred the same morning near Škrinjari, between the Sveti Ivan Žabno and Gradec stations, where a passenger train and a freight train collided. Six people were seriously injured in the accident, while 13 sustained minor injuries. There were no fatalities.
The Prime Minister expressed regret over the incident and emphasized that he had been in contact with the authorities since early morning. "I'm sorry this happened. We've been in contact all morning-Minister Butković, Minister Božinović, Minister Medved, Minister Hrstić, and I. All services, from the police to HŽ Infrastructure, HŽ Passenger Transport, and HŽ Cargo, are all involved," Plenković said.
He did not want to speculate about the cause of the collision. "The investigation will reveal what caused the accident, and then we'll be able to comment on it," he said. He stressed that the most important thing is that the injured received timely care. "What matters is that the seriously injured passengers and the driver of the passenger train were given the most urgent care. They have been hospitalized in Zagreb. We hope that those who are more seriously injured will receive top-notch medical care and that it will all end here," he added.
Plenković also answered questions about the announced changes regarding veterans' pensions. He emphasized that this is not about introducing new rights, but about correcting earlier reductions. "This is not about some new increase, but about restoring things to the situation as they should have been. We are correcting yet another injustice," he stated.
He reminded that the government had earlier announced a gradual resolution of all reductions in rights for Croatian veterans as the country becomes economically stronger and financially more stable. "We said that as Croatia becomes economically stronger and financially more stable, we will address all gaps, imperfections, and reductions in rights for Croatian veterans. We are resolving all three of those cases. The first was resolved in 2017, the second in 2022, and the third will be resolved with the 2027 budget," Plenković said.
He stressed that for his government, the Homeland War is "the foundation of the modern Croatian state, freedom, and democracy" and that he wants to resolve veterans' issues comprehensively.
Speaking about other retirees, the Prime Minister announced amendments to tax regulations that would abolish income tax on pensions that are currently subject to taxation. This measure is expected to increase income for approximately 580,000 pensioners.
Plenković also mentioned previous government initiatives for retirees and reiterated the intention to bring the average pension to between 750 and 800 euros by the end of the current government's term.
