Picula under USKOK investigation for illegal acts

Picula agreed to allow EBRD to seize the city property, like schools and kindergartens, in case of financial problems.

USKOK is investigating a failed attempt to purchase 46 buses by the former mayor of Velika Gorica, Tonino Picula. USKOK investigation implies that Picula abused his position and signed a harmful contract with Zagreb Holding and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD).

Picula agreed to allow the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to seize the city property, like schools, roads and kindergartens, in case of financial problems.

According to the contract that Picula signed, in case of litigation with the ERBD, the city of Velika Gorica must pay all the court costs and attorney services, no matter in whose favor the dispute ends. In the event of any legal disputes, Picula agreed to allow the EBRD to appoint the city’s lawyer and renounced any possibility of objection.

Picula signed this contract without the consent of the City Council, in spite the fact that involved the change of the City Statute and other acts. Picula blames the entire affair on the Finance Minister, Ivan Suker.