Opposition slams new spatial planning and construction bills

A set of bills on spatial planning and construction recently submitted to parliament has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, who describe the proposals as harmful and scandalous.

Left-leaning lawmakers argue that, under the guise of promoting affordable housing, the HDZ is once again favoring big business while dismissing hundreds of professional objections.

Sandra Benčić from Možemo! went further, calling the legislation "Privatization 2.0", and claiming that the HDZ is now targeting what she described as the last remaining public resource available to citizens: shared space.

Jasenka Auguštan-Pentek, deputy chairperson of the Physical Planning and Construction Committee from the SDP, added that the Ministry and Government have shown no willingness to engage in dialogue or consider professional input, focusing instead on advancing the interests of large capital.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction, and State Property Branko Bačić rejected these claims, insisting that the law is not designed to serve private interests. "It is based on principles of spatial preservation and the economic development of Croatia. No investor is singled out or favored," he said.