Croatian Ultra-Nationalist Rally Sheds Light on National Divides

A Divisive Celebration: The Rise of Nationalist Symbols in Croatia

The recent mega-gig by the ultra-nationalist singer Thompson, whose real name is Marko Perkovic, has sparked intense debate across Croatian society. This event, often referred to as a "neo-fascist Croatian Woodstock," highlights deep-seated divisions within the country. It brings to light contrasting views on Croatia's historical struggles and the legacy of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), a Nazi puppet state during World War II.

Thompson’s concert at the Zagreb Hippodrome was one of the largest events in recent years, with management claiming over half a million tickets sold. While the actual number of attendees was lower, it still drew hundreds of thousands of people. The crowd enthusiastically participated in the performance, especially when Thompson began with his song "Čavoglave Battalion." As he shouted "Za dom" ("for homeland"), the audience responded with "Spremni!" ("ready!"). Notably, members of the governing HDZ party were among those chanting along.

This moment has caused outrage among opposition parties and human rights organizations. They argue that "Za dom, spremni" originated from the Ustasha organization, an anti-Semitic, Nazi-allied group during World War II. The phrase has been deemed unconstitutional by Croatia's Constitutional Court, as it is considered a salute of the NDH.

Tena Banjeglav from Documenta – Centre for Dealing with the Past, warns that this event has opened a Pandora's box. She explains that politicians in parliament are now using the slogan, and young people are singing songs that glorify mass crimes from World War II. According to her, the government is creating an atmosphere where such symbols are seen as positive, potentially leading to physical violence.

The government has downplayed the significance of the chanting at the concert. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic described it as part of Thompson's repertoire and even posed for a photo with the singer before the event. Conservative commentator Matija Štahan argues that Thompson's military service during the war of independence gives him the right to use "Za dom, spremni" in his work. He compares it to the Ukrainian national salute "Slava Ukraini," suggesting that both have different meanings today, representing anti-establishment nationalism.

However, this interpretation is not accepted by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR). Mario Mažić, director of YIHR in Croatia, calls the slogan clearly fascist. He emphasizes that as an EU member state, Croatia should set an example but has not properly addressed its past. Croatia identifies with the losing side in World War II, fails to recognize its unjust war in Bosnia, and refuses to acknowledge systematic crimes against Serbs.

Thompson also held another large concert in Krajina, the stronghold of Croatian Serbs during the war. This event was part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, a military battle that ended Croatia's war of independence but displaced many Serbs. In recent years, the government had included commemorations for Serb victims, but reconciliation seems to be taking a backseat to promoting nationalist sentiment, highlighted by a military parade in Zagreb this year.

Historian Tvrtko Jakovina believes the current focus on nationalist symbols is convenient for a government struggling with contemporary challenges. He notes that instead of discussing issues like tourism, climate change, and education, the public is focused on military parades and Thompson concerts. This shift in attention reflects a broader societal trend that could have long-term consequences for Croatia's future.