The new mayor of Sisak, Domagoj Orlić, doubled his salary by 100% at the first city council meeting, sparking sharp criticism from the SDP branch and former mayor Kristina Ikić Baniček. Orlić had previously warned of the city’s financial collapse and possible salary non-payments, but immediately after taking office, he doubled his salary to 7,650 euros. The former mayor accused him of lies and manipulation, claiming his salary is higher than hers and that there was no need for the increase. He also canceled a Bajaga concert citing lack of funds while increasing his own salary. The city faces 22.3 million euros in unpaid obligations, and the opposition considers Orlić irresponsible and selfish in managing the city’s finances.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the hypocrisy and irresponsibility of the new mayor Domagoj Orlić, highlighting the contrast between his warnings of financial crisis and his immediate doubling of his own salary. They focus on the criticism from the SDP and the former mayor, portraying Orlić as self-serving and dishonest, and stress the financial difficulties faced by the city and the impact on citizens.
Center: Center-leaning reports present the facts of the salary increase and the financial situation of Sisak, including statements from both the new mayor and the opposition. They provide a balanced view by mentioning the legal aspects of the salary adjustment and the city’s debt, while also reporting on the controversy and public reactions without strong editorializing.
Right: Right-leaning sources tend to defend the new mayor’s salary increase as justified and legal, pointing out that the former mayor’s salary was lower due to her receiving a parliamentary salary. They may downplay the financial crisis or attribute it to previous administrations, and criticize the opposition for politicizing the issue.
