Croatia’s political landscape has been rocked by scandal as Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has taken decisive action, firing Health Minister Vili Beros amid serious corruption allegations. This shocking move comes after Beros was arrested in connection with a sweeping European Union investigation into bribery and money laundering. Plenkovic expressed his outrage, stating, “As prime minister, I am personally appalled by the idea that anyone in the healthcare system would use their position either for personal enrichment or to favour someone else.”
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has launched a probe into eight individuals, including Beros and hospital directors, accusing them of “accepting and giving bribes, abuse of position and authority, and money laundering.” Prosecutors allege that between June 2022 and November 2024, the suspects attempted to secure illicit financial gains through the sale of medical robotic devices, manipulating public procurement processes. Notably, their bribes were rejected in a significant EU-funded project in Split, showcasing the extent of their alleged corruption.
Details of the Allegations
In a shocking twist, prosecutors claim that Beros approved the purchase of operating microscopes at inflated prices, costing the Croatian national budget an unjustifiable $654,000. His lawyer, Laura Vakovic, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Beros bears no criminal responsibility. However, the Prime Minister has made it clear that his government will not shield anyone from prosecution, regardless of their position. This incident marks a continuation of a troubling trend in Croatia, where several ministers from the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party have resigned under similar corruption clouds since Plenkovic took office in 2016.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Croatia’s already tarnished reputation regarding systemic corruption are significant. The country is frequently cited as one of the most corrupt in the EU, and this latest scandal only deepens concerns over the integrity of its political and healthcare systems.
