The Mayor of Sisak, Domagoj Orlić, and his deputy Sanja Mioković reduced their salaries following public outcry over initially high amounts. Although the salaries were reduced, critics argue that the reductions are symbolic and that the changes were made under public pressure. Orlić claimed the salaries were aligned with legal regulations, but experts point out that the law does not specify exact coefficients, allowing local governments to set amounts according to their financial capabilities. This situation sparked negative comments due to the discrepancy between claims about the city’s financial situation and the personal benefits of the new administration.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the social injustice and public dissatisfaction caused by the initially high salaries of local officials, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public spending. They criticize the local government’s attempt to justify the salaries by citing legal regulations and stress the importance of aligning officials’ pay with the economic realities of the community.
Center: Center-leaning coverage tends to present the facts of the salary adjustments and the legal context, noting the public’s reaction and the officials’ responses. It provides a balanced view by including statements from both the officials defending their salaries as legally compliant and critics questioning the appropriateness of the amounts given the city’s financial situation.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may focus on the legal justification of the salary levels, emphasizing that the officials acted within the law and that local governments have the autonomy to set salaries. They might downplay the public outcry as political pressure or media sensationalism and highlight the officials’ previous experience and qualifications as reasons for their compensation.
