The arrest of former HAC head Josip Škorić and others on suspicion of corruption has sparked sharp criticism from the opposition, especially SDP and Most, who claim that corruption within HDZ is deeply rooted and systemic. There has been little reaction from HDZ, while the opposition emphasizes that this is a continuation of old practices and that corruption is used for personal gain. Some politicians call for confiscation of assets and harsher penalties for corrupt officials. Spectacular arrests are also criticized for lacking long-term effect as proceedings are often not followed through. The topic is presented as a symptom of a broader corruption problem in Croatia, with different emphases depending on the political leaning of the media.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize systemic corruption within HDZ, portraying the arrests as evidence of a deeply rooted problem. They criticize the ruling party for prioritizing personal enrichment over public service and call for stronger anti-corruption measures and accountability.
Center: Center-leaning media report the facts of the arrests and the political reactions with a balanced tone, highlighting the ongoing issues of corruption but also noting the legal processes and the need for due process. They mention the criticism of spectacle arrests and the importance of transparency.
Right: Right-leaning sources tend to downplay the systemic nature of corruption, focusing more on the legal aspects and the presumption of innocence. They may criticize the opposition for politicizing the arrests and emphasize the need to respect legal procedures without jumping to conclusions.
