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Corruption probe rocks sports, islanders protest tax hikes

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Croatia is grappling with a significant corruption scandal within its Olympic Committee (HOO), leading to arrests and investigations into top sports officials. This comes as residents on the island of Vir are vociferously protesting drastic increases in property taxes, with some bills nearly tripling, sparking widespread outrage.

In the political arena, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's government is facing scrutiny, with analysts suggesting he is weakening, though the opposition struggles to effectively challenge him on issues like inflation and corruption. Meanwhile, a large-scale search and rescue operation is underway near the island of Šolta for a skipper who fell overboard from a charter catamaran.

On the international front, Croatian media is closely following a tragic car attack at Berlin's Pride parade, deadly climbing accidents involving Bosnian hikers in Russia, and the intensifying drought and wildfires affecting other parts of Europe.

Top stories

Corruption Scandal Hits Croatian Olympic Committee

A major corruption investigation is shaking the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO), with arrests made and reports indicating a "total collapse" of an influential group allegedly controlling Croatian sports. Damir Šegota, Director of the Olympic Program, has been arrested, and the home and office of Siniša Krajač, Secretary General of the HOO, were searched. The probe is linked to a wider corruption scandal involving Vedran Pavlek, former director of the Croatian Alpine Ski Team, who is currently…

Jutarnji list Corruption probe shakes Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) ↗

Vir Island Residents Protest Steep Property Tax Hikes

Residents on the island of Vir are protesting significant increases in property tax bills, with some individuals reporting jumps from 400 to 960 euros. The drastic hikes have caused outrage among islanders, who are comparing the new rates to those in more expensive tourist destinations.

Jutarnji list Revolt on the island of Vir: Residents protest brutal tax hikes ↗

Political Climate: Plenković's Position and Opposition Challenges

Despite signs of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's political weakening, the opposition is reportedly struggling to unseat him. Analysts suggest that opposition parties face difficulties in effectively leveraging issues like inflation and corruption to gain significant ground, highlighting a need for more capable individuals within their ranks.

Telegram.hr Plenković is Weakening, but Opposition Will Struggle to Overthrow Him with… ↗

Search Underway for Missing Skipper Near Šolta

A large-scale search and rescue operation is in progress near the island of Šolta after a skipper fell overboard from a charter catamaran and went missing.

Luka Modrić's Substantial Career Earnings Revealed

Details have emerged regarding the significant annual salaries and overall earnings of Croatian national football team captain Luka Modrić throughout his career, including his time with Real Madrid and AC Milan, highlighting his immense financial success in professional football.