Thompson's Concert Sparks Nationalism Debate in Croatia

Thompson's recent concert in Zagreb has ignited a fierce debate about nationalism and historical interpretation in Croatia, drawing both massive crowds and significant criticism for its associations with WWII-era themes and the government’s response.

In a sprawling display of cultural pride and historical contention, a massive concert by ultra-nationalist singer Marko Perkovic, known as Thompson, is revealing the deep rifts within Croatian society. The event has been dubbed by some as a "neo-fascist Croatian Woodstock," while supporters view it as a celebration of patriotism and resistance against the political establishment.

Hosted at Zagreb Hippodrome, Thompson's concert attracted hundreds of thousands, despite management claims of surpassing half a million tickets sold. The audience fervently participated when Thompson invoked the rallying cry "Za dom" ("for homeland"), responding with "Spremni!" ("ready!"), a phrase historically linked to Croatia's WWII-era Ustasha regime, which has drawn outrage from human rights groups and opposition parties.

Critics are alarmed by the resurgence of nationalistic fervor encapsulated in the concert, which coincides with a growing acceptance of contentious war-time slogans in political discourse. Tena Banjeglav from Documenta emphasizes that the government fosters a troubling atmosphere that could lead to increased violence, as evidenced by politicians openly using the Ustasha-related chant in parliament.

The ruling HDZ party has dismissed concerns over the chant, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic describing it merely as part of Thompson's repertoire. From a differing perspective, conservative commentator Matija Štahan argues that Thompson's war service grants him legitimacy to use the phrase, positing that the salute has evolved into a symbol of anti-establishment sentiment.

In stark contrast, the Youth Initiative for Human Rights unequivocally labels the chant as fascist, condemning Croatia's struggles to confront its past. YIHR director Mario Mažić called attention to Croatia's potential as an EU member to serve as a progressive regional example, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding historical acknowledgment.

Historian Tvrtko Jakovina notes that since Brexit, nationalist views have gained traction, with the Croatian government appearing more focused on celebrating military achievements than addressing pressing contemporary issues such as tourism, climate crisis, and economic prospects. The divisive atmosphere reflects a growing complexity as national identity clashes with reconciliatory efforts within the nation, particularly in commemorating the ramifications of past conflicts.