TCN's Vukovar resident Deane Thomas takes a look at what's going on with the local elections in Vukovar.
As a foreigner living in a provincial town such as Vukovar, it is interesting to watch the banter of local politics, especially with the build up to important local elections about to take place across Croatia. Perhaps it is much more obvious in a small town to witness the way local residents are influenced by the current power players, namely HDZ. Residents of Vukovar have been bamboozled with a spate of incredible events in the town. Is this a deliberate abuse of political power, or part of an organic plan, hatched around a large boardroom table at party headquarters? Who is the pied piper here?
Incredibly, the amount of national and local media coverage surrounding the various spectacles that have occurred in Vukovar of late is unprecedented. Even being graced by the presence of the President of Croatia, who announced her wish to open dialogue with neighbouring Serbia. One has to wonder the timing of all of this activity and the hidden agenda of those that currently “run” the country. Maybe this is just fortunate timing, but one can question the amount of money that has been invested in projects and shows for the benefit of the political elite.
One can walk through Vukovar these days, and see the new landscaped areas, the new walkways, new amenities and other more grandiose events that have been held in recent times. How does this recent spate of activity influence the residents? Of course, it is fresh in their minds, and no doubt it is viewed in a positive benefit for the community at large. But there is only so much that makeup can cover, especially in a community that is rapidly disappearing. Whilst the reported number of residents in Vukovar is some 20,000 people, what is the demographic like? Why is there at least one coach that leaves this town on a daily basis with young and old alike, off to new countries like Germany?
Vukovar has always been of substantial importance to the region. At different times in history, the town has appeared in headline news for various reasons. Today, it is more renowned as the “City Of Heroes”, one that is very apt for the atrocities that took place here in 1991. Yet this town is a living example of mass migration, in reality, it is dying. The local politicians may be happy to squander precious resources on painting 3D art on the streets, or holding an open-air theatre, or a historical cultural event, but what is being done to ensure there are real opportunities for the residents.
To put this spectacle into context, the town paid for a strategy document in order to highlight issues and new opportunities for tourism, yet the very basics are an embarrassment. The local Tourist Agency website is known to be of little benefit to foreigners; it lacks real information in other languages for potential visitors. Having discussed this with the head of the relevant department within the city of Vukovar, we learn whilst they are aware of this, and its priority, there simply is no budget. Yet we see special events being held to entrance the locals and visitors alike. Who paid for these events and more importantly, who benefitted?
The current mayor of Vukovar has been very busy signing and unveiling all of the wonderful new initiatives and events, yet residents are still leaving. Is this a deliberate strategy to gain credibility, or to serve a wider cause for HDZ? It seems ridiculous that buildings in the town centre remain in a dilapidated state, whilst new promenades are being built. It simply does not make sense to spend millions of kuna just on renovating the water tower of Vukovar, when the centre is partially still in ruins. The opening of a new kindergarten or post office in strategic areas is an admirable thing, but much more needs to be done to provide opportunities for residents to stay. Attracting inward investment from serious international companies should be the focus. Creating much-needed workplaces, transforming and rebuilding old industries that this town was famous for.
Instead, it seems on the surface at least, the politicians are intent on holding on to the past. The residents of Vukovar are being dazzled by a political performance that should shift its focus on the youth and their future. The teenagers who will be finishing their high schools this year, will no doubt all emigrate to another city or country. Whether that be to further their education or begin their quests for employment opportunities. When the youth departs and begin to settle in their new homes and lives, it is very difficult to convince them to return, when in reality the town is becoming quite simply just a memorial grounds.
Political opinions in the town differ, but for sure there is a staunch HDZ presence, which appears to be focused on painting a glamorous landscape, instead of getting to the root of establishing a future for the future generations. No doubt whoever is elected into office they will repeat the same window dressing, and see the town become a shrine, instead of an amazing place where residents thrive and prosper. As a foreigner who has lived in Vukovar for many years, it is sad to see the same story over and over again. It is really time for a change in leadership and mindset so that Vukovar may once again become a centre of importance, for the right reasons.
