Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek has faced criticism for her decision to reject the candidacies of Igor Vukić and Petar Bašić for the position of director at the Jasenovac Memorial Site (JUSP Jasenovac). Despite both candidates meeting the formal requirements for the role and having notable backgrounds in the field, the Minister chose to extend the mandate of the acting director, Sara Lustig, raising concerns about the integrity of the public hiring process. Vukić expressed that this move undermines the public competition institute and the efforts made through the competitive selection process.

The public competition for the directorship was announced on December 3, 2025, attracting the interest of Vukić, a journalist and publicist with extensive experience related to the Jasenovac site, and historian Petar Bašić. Their applications were seen as a crucial part of a potentially transformative leadership change at the memorial site, which serves as a critical institution for remembering the Holocaust victims. The decision not to appoint either candidate signals a broader issue regarding political and administrative accountability in Croatia, especially concerning sensitive historical sites.

Vukić's comments indicate a growing frustration with the Minister's inability to engage with the recommended candidates, suggesting that there may be deeper issues at play that prevent proper governance and leadership in institutions intended to honor and educate about historical events. The controversy surrounding this decision emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in public appointments, especially in contexts related to history and memory that impact national identity.