The associations say there were prompted to write to Kosor by the increasingly difficult state of environmental protection in Croatia, despite the fact that in recent years "an artificial picture is being persistently painted about the successful work of the ministry."

The associations say the letter was "prompted by announcements of an impending government reshuffle."

They suggest that Kosor separate the construction department from the ministry and include in its place the Nature Protection Department, which they say does not belong in the Culture Ministry.

The associations also cite the reasons for dismissing Matulovic-Dropulic, claiming she is in conflict of interest as she has a stake in the IGH construction company, which is licensed for writing environmental impact studies approved by the ministry.

They also accuse the minister of intimidating prominent environmental protection associations, of favouring polluters and ignoring the constitutional right to a healthy environment, of undermining Croatia's international reputation by failing to attend even one conference on environmental protection in seven years, of "being responsible for the devastation of space in Croatia," of degrading environmental protection instruments, and of a disastrous situation in the waste management system.

Later today, the ministry dismissed all seven reasons cited for replacing Matulovic-Dropulic.

The ministry said one of the associations, Zelena Akcija, was persistently accusing the minister of being in conflict of interest because of the IGH company, although the bodies in charge have not established any conflict of interest.