Defying All Allegedly Crooked Documents
Title: Unsettled Seas: A Peek into the Chaotic Political Landscape of Baška Voda
On June 15, 2025, Baška Voda, nestled between the sparkling Adriatic coast and the towering Biokovo mountains, will attempt to elect a mayor for the third time in a month. Approximately 1,100 residents, dressed to impress, are called upon to cast their votes, intricately intertwining politics, drama, and tourist destinations that charm millions each year.
The two preceding rounds have been marred by significant violations and allegations of electoral fraud so severe that the Constitutional Court deemed them invalid. As the date of the third vote draws near, concerns persist regarding the potential for irregularities this time around. A local guide in Split joked, "You better brace yourself for nine more rounds before the dust settles." This irrepressible incumbent has clung to power for 32 years, even though he's lost the majority in the city council during the initial round.
Polarized Waters
If the results on Sunday hold, the political landscape will witness a shift, regardless of who triumphs between the two candidates. The era of political intimidation, illicit concrete pouring, reckless coastal development, and the relentless pursuit of mass tourism will come to a screeching halt—at least temporarily and at least in Baška Voda.
This is one of Croatia’s wealthiest, most beautiful, and most compromised municipalities. The fact that the winds of change are blowing against the entrenched old elites, mainly in the conservative and interconnected southern region, who have been siphoning off wealth since the nation's independence more than 30 years ago, comes as a surprise to many. But not so much for the residents.
Two years ago, in a nearby bay, residents celebrated with champagne and flowers as demolition crews dismantled the property of one of Croatia’s most influential entrepreneurs, turning the picturesque coastline into a private estate. The state finally intervened, making the bay accessible to the public again and imprisoning the tycoon for his illegal actions. This displayed a glimmer of hope for others to stand up to their dubious local authorities.
Controversies and Questionable Practices
One may wonder: Is this journalist just concentrating on these three bays, and why should we care, especially since we’re just intending to enjoy a swim?
Perhaps the turbulence in these three bays will elucidate the detrimental effects it has on people's lives when they can no longer trust the rule of law, corrupted by populist politicians. A fresh crop of young politicians now endeavors to restore the Croatian state to its rightful, legally secure position, in stark contrast to the counter-trend developments in the U.S. under Donald Trump and Germany under Alexander Dobrindt, who both choose to disregard the rulings of their respective courts.
Here’s hoping, for the residents of the three bays and our readers, that the local elections in Baška Voda wind down by Sunday, and we won't need to worry about nine more rounds and nine more columns before the opposition can prove that they can steer the ship of governance in a different direction.
Enrichment Data:
Overview of Baška Voda
Baška Voda is a municipality in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. It has recently garnered attention due to disputes surrounding local elections and broader concerns about corruption and the rule of law in the region.
Elections and Re-voting
- Recent Elections: Irregularities, including an excess of ballots at one polling station, called for a re-vote in Baška Voda during the first round of local elections[1].
- Controversies: Allegations of fraud and mishandling of ballots have tainted the electoral process, prompting concerns about its integrity[3].
Corruption and Rule of Law
- Allegations of Corruption: The cases of corruption are indicative of broader issues facing Croatian politics. Various political figures, such as members of the Nezavisna lista mladih (Independent Youth List) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elections and have criticized election officials for questionable behavior[3].
- Rule of Law Concerns: The incidents and irregularities during the elections have raised doubts about the rule of law, as the potential for a single individual to influence the outcome through fraudulent activities highlights weaknesses in the electoral process that must be addressed to ensure transparency and fairness[3].
Political Parties Involved
- Major Parties: The HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union), the Nezavisna lista mladih, and the SDP are among the key parties involved in the recent elections[3].
- Nezavisna lista mladih: The Nezavisna lista mladih has been vocal in advocating for a fair and transparent political environment[3].
- War-and-conflicts might erupt in Baška Voda, if the turbulence and controversies in the recent elections continue, casting doubt on the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process.
- The politics of Baška Voda, marred by allegations of fraud and mishandling of ballots, fall under the category of general-news, as they also involve crime-and-justice issues, such as corruption and the undermining of the rule of law, which have long been plaguing the region.
