Milan Bandić

Bandić was prosecuted for allegedly providing U ime obitelji with municipal stalls and services free of charge or on improper terms. He was acquitted at first instance in 2018; USKOK appealed.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

The new Sljeme cable car became one of the most controversial projects of Bandić's final term: a final cost far above initial estimates, numerous contract amendments, delays and suspicions concerning certain contracts. The press reported interest from anti-corruption and police bodies.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The so-called 'Zagreb Manhattan' project, supported by Bandić, envisaged major redevelopment around the racecourse and exhibition centre. Associations and opponents denounced appropriation of public space and a lack of transparency. The necessary amendments to the urban plan were ultimately not adopted.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The redevelopment plan for Savica Park prompted opposition from residents and architects. Political figures accused the city of circumventing architectural competition requirements and directly challenged Bandić's approach.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Construction and expansion of public fountains in Zagreb, whose cumulative cost was reported by the press to exceed 50 million kunas, prompted controversy over Bandić's budgetary priorities.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Following a lengthy investigation into the City of Zagreb and municipal companies, Bandić was arrested in October 2014 alongside several others in the so-called Agram case.

Attribution

Directly implicated

The shopping centre and garage project associated with the Cvjetni complex and works on Varšavska Street provoked substantial civic mobilisation. Bandić, who supported the project and urban development policy, was directly confronted during protests.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Bandić's presidential campaign sought to collect donations by telephone and SMS. The Croatian Electoral Commission considered that this method did not comply with the applicable framework, while reiterating that ordinary identified donations remained permissible.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2002, Bandić caused an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident was also accompanied by allegations that he had attempted to avoid police checks or influence an officer. He eventually resigned as mayor.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Bandić was publicly implicated over a weekend house built without a permit. Croatian retrospective reports mention a fine imposed in the case before the building was regularised.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Croatian media documented the chronology of Milan Bandić's divorce from his wife Vesna, followed by her favourable purchase of a flat, and portrayed the divorce as fictitious or intended to circumvent eligibility rules.

State of the evidence

Alleged