Tens of Thousands Rally in Zagreb Demanding Urgent Waste Cleanup

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Zagreb’s central square on Saturday to protest delays in cleaning up more than 30,000 tons of waste stored in Croatia’s Lika region. The demonstration, one of the country’s biggest in recent years, was organised under the name “Walk for Lika,” with protesters warning that the waste could threaten drinking water and public health.

Authorities discovered between 34,000 and 37,000 tons of waste near Gospić last year, much of it reportedly imported from Italy in 2023 and 2024. Environmental groups say the waste includes medical and industrial material and is contaminating the air, soil and water in the region. They have accused the government of failing to act quickly enough.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said this week that a contractor had been selected for the first stage of the cleanup, which involves removing the waste from the site. Protesters, however, demanded faster action and accountability. Croatian actor Rade Šerbedžija also joined the rally, calling the situation a disgrace and saying those responsible should be held accountable.