Parliament approves planning laws as opposition seeks court review

On the final day of its fall session, Parliament passed a package of laws on spatial planning, construction and energy efficiency, despite strong opposition from left-wing parties.

The opposition says it will seek a Constitutional Court review and is prepared to push for a referendum, arguing the legislation favors powerful interest groups over ordinary citizens.

Construction Minister Branko Bačić has rejected the criticism.

Key changes include faster construction permitting, the full digitization of spatial plans and the reintroduction of urban land consolidation.

The spatial planning law passed by the narrowest of margins, with left-wing opposition parties calling it a concession to wealthy land developers.

“This is the final sell-off of this country. That’s the plan,” said Sandra Benčić of the Možemo party. “Our plan is to seek judicial review. If the court does not take up the case, together with the SDP and other progressive parties, we will initiate a referendum and defeat this law and this government.”

The ruling majority says the opposition is using populist rhetoric to block legislation that will benefit the public.

“No one is being favored here. This law serves the people,” said HDZ MP Tomislav Klarić.

Ivica Kukavica of the Homeland Movement said the changes would simplify procedures and help create more residential zones for young families.

SDP leader Siniša Hajdaš Dončić said the legislation evokes memories of the privatization process of the 1990s, which he described as deeply intertwined with corruption and political cronyism.

Bačić said the opposition has failed to provide specific evidence to support its claims.

“Without pointing to specific provisions in the law that would allow land seizures or a so-called ‘privatization 2.0,’ I cannot see how this would erode the rights of local governments,” Bačić said. “I can only conclude this is empty rhetoric.”

He also rejected claims that the laws are unconstitutional. Most of the legislation is set to take effect on January 1.