Does Baldasar really need a 315 000 kuna official car?
Since the old official city car used by the mayor of Split Ivo Baldasar is ready for an overhaul, he decided to issue a public procurement for a new one. That in itself would not make the headlines had he not decided to let loose with the taxpayers money and list specifications that can only be met by one single model - Škoda Superb. As reported by Jutarnji list and Index on January 13, mayor of the second largest city in Croatia is looking for one “Black Magic Satin” coloured car with “satin black” interior, at least 190 HP, 2.0 TDI engine, DSG automatic transmission, Climatronic A/C and a 4x4 (all wheel) drive.
Specifications are in fact so detailed that they also state that the car must have 17” Stratos wheels, armrest with a cup holder and a radio with full Apple connectivity. All these perks add up to a nice sum of 315 000 kuna (VAT included), and for a city administration that already has enough official cars and can barely make ends meet, that is a lot.
All above-mentioned specifications can only be met by one car model – Škoda Superb, that raises the question whether the tender is rigged for one particular Škoda supplier in Croatia. The second question, of course, is whether the city should be spending this kind of money on a luxury car or was it possible to be just a tad more modest.
Baldasar dismissed all accusations saying that all suppliers offering cars with above-mentioned specs can apply and that the media would have commented even if they decided to buy a Fićo (Fiat 500’s grandpa). Regarding modesty, Ivo Baldasar stated: “"This is not a luxury car; it is a medium class vehicle suitable for the city of our size, budget and number of inhabitants. The car will cost 315 000 kuna minus the amount we receive for our old car since we are selling it. I don’t want to put myself, the drivers or colleagues at risk while we are travelling. Safety is our priority, and this kind of car provides it”.
Members of the opposition were, of course, quick to comment. Petar Škorić, president of HDZ Split asked whether the mayor intends to race if he needs a 190 HP engine, while Marijana Puljak, member of the city council said that Baldasar should be a little more careful with the taxpayers money and reminded him that many European mayors are using public transport and he should take a leaf out of their book.
