President Milanović in Gospić: Those Responsible for Illegal Waste Disposal Must Be Punished
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended today the ceremonial session of the Gospić Town Council, held on the occasion of Municipal Day and the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. In his address, he spoke about several key issues relevant to Lika and Gospić, focusing particularly on the illegal disposal of waste at the Paromlin complex, demographic challenges, and the importance of preserving cultural identity.
Speaking about the illegal dumping of large quantities of plastic and medical waste in the abandoned Paromlin industrial complex, President Milanović described it as a criminal act that must have consequences. “This appeal (by the mayor) to solve the waste problem — which was caused by criminally dumping it here near Gospić — will be resolved, I am convinced. And the culprits, I am almost certain, will be found and punished in accordance with the law. But this must never happen again. That is your responsibility,” he stressed.
Addressing demographic challenges in Lika and across Croatia, President Milanović emphasized the need to understand the root causes of population decline. He noted that, while a serious issue, it should not be viewed as a national catastrophe but rather approached responsibly and realistically. “More and more people, couples — or, if you will, women — at an age when they could have children, are deciding not to. That is the reality. It is a topic we need to discuss, a problem and a challenge that must be addressed properly — without blame, without finger-pointing, and without making anyone feel guilty,” he said.
The President also highlighted the importance of Lika’s cultural identity and historical heritage, especially the Glagolitic script. He reminded the audience that the Glagolitic alphabet had been part of religious and cultural life in this region for centuries. “I think it would be good for children to learn this unique script, which is unrelated to the Latin alphabet, the Greek alphabet, or the Cyrillic script. It is unique,” he said, recalling a 13th-century episode when Pope Innocent IV authorized the use of the Glagolitic script in liturgy in the vernacular language.
In conclusion, President Milanović called on the people of Lika to preserve their heritage, develop their region, and take pride in its rich history: “Actively protect your identity. Be proud — you have every reason to be proud. Don’t give up.”
In addition to President Milanović, speeches at the ceremonial session were given by Mirjana Vrkljan Radošević, President of the Gospić Town Council; Darko Milinović, Mayor of Gospić; Ernest Petry, Prefect of Lika-Senj County; Darko Nekić, delegate of the Prime Minister and State Secretary at the Ministry of Croatian Veterans; and Ivan Dabo, delegate of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Member of Parliament, and Mayor of Novalja.
President Milanović was accompanied by Melita Mulić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Human Rights and Civil Society.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić