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Tens of thousands protest in Croatia against toxic waste

A massive demonstration in Zagreb demanded the urgent removal of toxic waste accumulated in various locations across Croatia.

5 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Tens of thousands protest in Croatia against toxic waste — Archive photoPhoto: Senado Federal · Flickr · BY

On Saturday, September 5, tens of thousands of people gathered in the central square of Zagreb to protest the government's delay in removing over 30,000 tons of industrial waste. The protesters expressed concerns about the contamination of drinking water in the region, resulting from the dumping of waste deemed toxic.

According to reports, the waste in question includes materials from countries such as Italy and Germany, stored illegally in various locations across Croatia. Environmentalists claim these wastes are polluting local ecosystems and threatening public health.

The protests, which have turned into a large environmental demonstration, were fueled by frustration over the inaction of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's government. Participants demanded that the government present an effective plan for waste removal within a 20-day deadline.

Reports indicate that protesters criticized the lack of governmental action regarding an issue that has raised significant public concern. Indignation has grown around the containment of illegal waste, which is considered a serious environmental problem.

According to information from Europol, over 35,000 tons of waste have been identified in illegal situations across various locations in Croatia. The demonstrations reflect a call for accountability and decisive government action in response to this environmental crisis.

The effects of toxic waste on local communities, especially in areas near natural parks, were widely discussed during the mobilization, with various speeches emphasizing the urgency of resolving the issue. Protest organizers hope that public pressure will lead to a faster response from the authorities.

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