Croatian lawmakers are debating a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's government, triggered by a corruption scandal involving former health minister Vili Beros. 

The motion, filed by the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), highlights concerns over recurring corruption allegations within the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). It is taking place just weeks before the presidential election scheduled for December 29. 

The case against Beros revolves around allegations of accepting bribes and manipulating public procurement processes to benefit select suppliers. 

Arrested in mid-November while serving as health minister and initially detained, Beros was released after key witnesses were questioned. He has denied any wrongdoing, but Croatia's State Attorney expanded the investigation after incorporating evidence from European prosecutors. 

Plenkovic promptly sacked Beros but the scandal has undermined his government's standing as well as shaking trust in the healthcare system. 

The no-confidence vote, set for December 6, requires 76 votes in the 151-seat parliament to succeed. Analysts, however, believe the opposition, with an estimated 71 votes, is unlikely to achieve the necessary majority. A similar motion in May failed. 

A successful motion would lead to early parliamentary elections. However, Plenković, entering parliament on December 3, appeared unfazed, dismissing the opposition’s accusations as politically motivated.

"Given the circumstances, which are serious, namely the corruption scandal involving minister Beroš, I understand your initiative, and probably, we would do the same in your place, so you have hit the mark there," Plenkovic told MPs, according to a parliament statement.

"But as for your final goal, which is to demand the resignation of the entire government because of the mistake of one member of the government and those connected to him, while I understand you, that will not succeed. We are more appalled by this scandal than you are, and we are more sorry about it than you are," he added. 

The government has nominated Irena Hrstić, a gastroenterologist and former hospital director, as the new health minister. Hrstić has outlined plans to overhaul the healthcare system, starting with a comprehensive audit of public procurement processes to address inefficiencies and ensure transparency. 

Her agenda includes revising regulations to clarify the relationship between public and private healthcare providers, a process she aims to finalize within a month. She has also acknowledged critical issues such as uneven access to primary care and shortages of doctors in Zagreb, pledging to tackle these challenges by reducing administrative burdens and encouraging more medical professionals to join the field.