A session of the Zagreb City Assembly was marked by a heated incident between independent MP Dina Dogan and Možemo party MP Matko Dujmović, sparking public debate and political tensions.
The incident occurred during a discussion on the maintenance of school and kindergarten courtyards, where Dujmović highlighted the role of the city-owned company Zrinjevac. He noted that municipal services often have to step in when private contractors fail to meet obligations, particularly during storms or extreme weather events.
“During major disruptions, severe storms, or adverse conditions, do you know where the private contractors are? I don’t, because they don’t show up,” Dujmović said in his speech.
Following his remarks, a vulgar comment was allegedly made from the assembly benches. Video footage later published on social media by Dujmović appears to show Dogan sitting in her seat and using profane language directed at him. In a statement accompanying the video, Dujmović said he did not expect an apology.
“There is nothing for Dina to apologize for. The outburst was honest and, personally, I even find it somewhat amusing as it shows how much my work on issues related to the Holding bothers her,” Dujmović said. “What matters is that people see how someone who does not focus on substance reacts—shouting, insulting, and harassing others in and around the Assembly.”
Dogan, however, denied the accusations, calling the video a “spin” aimed at discrediting her. She told local media that the comments were taken from a private conversation and were unrelated to Dujmović or the assembly debate. She added that microphones were off at the time and that exposing private discussions is unacceptable. Dogan said she had reported the matter to the police.
The video emerged following an eight-hour assembly session in which the majority approved Mayor Tomislav Tomašević’s filing of a constitutional complaint against the national government over the organization of a February 2 handball team reception.
It remains unclear whether the Assembly’s ethics or disciplinary bodies will take further action beyond the police inquiry.