Sinj City Council in Flames: Clash Over 'Alkarica' Sparks Serious Accusations and Walkout
Opposition claims the mayor distributed 200,000 euros bypassing decisions; he counters that he protected the most vulnerable.
Opposition claims the mayor distributed 200,000 euros bypassing decisions; he counters that he protected the most vulnerable.
In a statement signed by councilors from the HDZ and the NL dr. Jadrijević, it is highlighted that Mayor Bulj paid out around 200,000 euros in one-off allowances in cash, without respecting the City Council's decision that mandated payments to bank accounts or via FINA for those without accounts. This, they believe, violated not only that decision but also the fundamental principle of local democracy.
"This isn't just about trampling on a decision aimed at protecting citizens' dignity and public money, but also the fundamental principle of local democracy that the executive branch implements the decisions of the representative body. If the mayor can arbitrarily and contrary to Council decisions dispose of public funds, then one must ask what the City Council is for," the statement, as reported by HRT Vijesti, reads.
The councilors expressed regret that all this is happening during the city's biggest celebrations. They stated it is inappropriate that instead of talking about Alka and the Assumption of Mary, the focus is on political conflicts and insults, and they called on relevant institutions to examine the legality of Bulj's actions.
In their public address, the Sinj HDZ did not hold back in criticizing the mayor. They reminded the public of his previous verbal clashes with the county prefect, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and ministers, noting that he mostly spared President Zoran Milanović and coalition partners from the SDP and Možemo.
"We watch Miro Bulj's antics all year round. Is it too much to ask that at least during Alka and the Assumption of Mary, he allows Sinj to be the town of Alka, Our Lady, unity, and dignity?" they said from the HDZ.
Mayor Miro Bulj sharply responded to all accusations. He claimed that the HDZ and NL dr. Jadrijević tried to prevent him from distributing the 'alkarica' because they were incapable of passing the necessary decision, wanting people to be left without aid.
"I could not and did not want to leave my people in the lurch. That's why, as mayor, I made a decision and ensured the distribution of the alkarica to everyone entitled to it, including our fellow citizens whose accounts are blocked or under seizure," Bulj wrote in his statement.
He further criticized the council majority for failing to reach an agreement on the City of Sinj's public awards, particularly highlighting the Lifetime Achievement Award. He called this failure a disgrace for the city ahead of its most important days.
"The City of Sinj's money belongs to the citizens of Sinj. As long as I am mayor, aid will reach our pensioners, the unemployed, and all those in need. No political bargaining will stop me. I have been and will remain with my people, and you, Rudokop coalition #NE_ĆE_TE," Bulj concluded.
'Alkarica' is a one-time financial support that has been paid out in Sinj for several years as part of the Alka festivities. Mayor Bulj recently increased it to 50 euros per person. The further unfolding of the dispute will depend on the possible actions of the relevant institutions, which the councilors have called upon to examine the legality of the payment, as well as on the continuation of the political struggle in the City Council.
