While the 311th Sinjska Alka was held in Sinj, Mayor Miro Bulj again criticized the Government over the closed maternity ward. Demographics Minister Ivan Šipić said that the safety of mothers is a priority, and Plenković announced a reduction in fuel prices.
At the 311th Sinjska Alka, held on August 9, 2026, the traditional knightly competition was overshadowed by political tensions. Sinj Mayor Miro Bulj refused to sit in the ceremonial box with representatives of the state leadership and issued sharp criticism of the Government's health policy towards the Cetina region. His seat, planned between the President of the Sinj Knightly Society Stipe Jukić and Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban, remained empty throughout the entire competition.
Bulj did not mince words when addressing those gathered. "Today, those who closed the maternity ward and literally destroyed health services will be 'taking photos' with the alkars and in the ceremonial box," said the Mayor of Sinj. In his speech, he also drew historical parallels: "Many occupiers have passed through Sinj, from the Turks to today, but the maternity ward was never closed. Childbirth and the Alka are significant not only for Sinj and Dalmatia but for Croatia, for our identity."
He made it clear what he expects from the state leadership. "If they love the Alka so much, let them open a general hospital for us," said Bulj, adding that Sinj also needs a fast road and other promised investments. He explained his absence from the box with the words: "Sinj is not a stage for your political appearances but a city that defended our faith, tradition, nation, and culture, but also a city that has a stance. Proud Gospin Sinj." He also stressed that he will defend the right for children from the Cetina region to be born in Sinj.
From HDZ, a sharp response soon arrived. "We are sorry that Bulj is putting on a show again, but that is not unexpected. He always put himself first. More important than the Alka and Sinj. More than the VAD and the Duke. More than the Storm celebration and the Homeland War. That's what happens when, as a mayor, you have a lack of achievements and an excess of malice and vanity," they posted on their Facebook page. The party also accused Bulj of putting his own political promotion ahead of the Alka, Sinj, and the commemoration of the Homeland War.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who attended the Alka and praised the organization of the competition, briefly responded to Bulj's accusations: "I don't care."
Alka Duke Marijo Šušnjara, in his traditional speech, commented on the mayor's absence. "Greetings to Mayor Miro Bulj, wherever he is!" said Šušnjara.
Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić, himself born in the Sinj maternity ward, commented on the situation in a calmer tone for RTL Danas. "This day is not for bickering, especially since we are celebrating more than tradition. We are celebrating an event that binds us and obliges us to think about the future," said Šipić.
He emphasized that the safety of mothers is a priority. "Our priority is first and foremost the safety and healthcare and protection of the mother. Split is close, it's a modern maternity ward. First of all, parents also chose to go to Split," the minister explained. Although he admitted he would like the maternity ward to return, the reality is different: "At this moment, we don't have that. But we have all the possibilities in the Split maternity ward, which is so close and it meets the greatest challenges when it comes to a mother preparing to give birth to her child."
Asked about the future and the number of alkars, Šipić is optimistic: "We have enough alkars, we have enough children. Soon there will be the Children's Alka in the well-known surname Vučković, one of the oldest alkar surnames; alkars are everywhere."
Prime Minister Plenković used his time in Sinj to announce good news for drivers. He announced that lower prices for all petroleum derivatives would come into effect on Tuesday. "Prices will be lower for all five energy sources: eurosuper by 6 euro cents per liter, eurodiesel by 4, blue diesel by 3, and gas in tanks and bottles by 8 euro cents," he posted on the Twitter profile of the Government of the Republic of Croatia.
In addition to the price cut, the Prime Minister also announced a change in methodology. "The Government of the Republic of Croatia will now react on a weekly basis instead of biweekly. This will immediately bring benefits to our citizens and the economy," wrote Plenković.
He also addressed the environmental problem in Lika, stating that the waste in Gospić will be remediated following the example of the already resolved case of baled waste in Varaždin. "All those responsible for waste disposal in Gospić and Lika must answer," he concluded.
