USKOK has launched a new operation involving arrests in several Croatian counties on suspicion of corruption in Croatian Roads and Croatian Highways. Among those arrested are former head of Croatian Roads Josip Škorić, director of the traffic sector of Croatian Highways Silvijo Čamber, and professor from the Faculty of Transport Sciences Anđelko Ščukanec. They are suspected of receiving bribes in the form of money, dinners, plane tickets, and construction works in exchange for awarding contracts. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects are under the supervision of USKOK and the police. This operation has sparked reactions from politicians, with Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković emphasizing the importance of establishing the truth and the unacceptability of corruption.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the systemic nature of corruption within Croatian public institutions, highlighting the involvement of high-ranking officials and the impact on public trust. They often criticize the ruling party for tolerating or enabling corruption and call for stronger anti-corruption measures and transparency.
Center: Centrist media focus on the factual reporting of the arrests and ongoing investigations, stressing the importance of due process and the role of USKOK in combating corruption. They present statements from government officials and underline the need for legal clarity and institutional integrity.
Right: Right-leaning sources may highlight the arrests as a sign of effective law enforcement and government commitment to fighting corruption. They might also frame the issue as a problem of individual wrongdoing rather than systemic failure, sometimes defending the ruling party or emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
