Marko Perkovic's recent mega-gig has ignited a debate over nationalism in Croatia, exposing deep-seated divisions in the country regarding its history and identity, as various factions react to the significance of the event and the chants that echoed throughout.
Thompson's Concert Sparks National Division in Croatia
Thompson's Concert Sparks National Division in Croatia
An ultra-nationalist concert in Zagreb highlights profound societal rifts and controversial historical interpretation among Croatians.
The recent concert by ultra-nationalist singer Marko Perkovic, known as Thompson, has reignited discussions surrounding nationalism and historical interpretation in Croatia. Dubbed "the neo-fascist Croatian Woodstock" by critics, the event attracted a mammoth audience, reportedly selling over half a million tickets. However, actual numbers were lower, yet still reached hundreds of thousands, revealing a vividly divided society regarding its past.
During the performance, Thompson incited a fervid response from attendees, who joined in chanting "Za dom, spremni" ("for homeland") — a phrase linked to the World War Two-era Ustasha organization. This prompted outrage from opposition politicians and human rights advocates, who reference a Constitutional Court ruling classifying the chant as incompatible with Croatian law. "This has opened Pandora's box," remarked Tena Banjeglav from Documenta, which advocates for a fact-based reconciliation approach to the past. She warned that the current government’s seemingly accommodating stance only emboldens radical nationalism that could culminate in physical confrontations.
Despite the backlash, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic downplayed the significance of the chants, dismissing them as merely part of Thompson's artistic expression. Conservative commentator Matija Štahan defended the singer, suggesting that his wartime service grants him legitimacy to employ "Za dom, spremni" as a reclamation of freedom — reinterpreting it akin to the Ukrainian salute of "Slava Ukraini."
Yet, starkly contrasting views emerge from organizations like the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, who argue that such expressions reflect fascist sentiments incongruous with Croatia’s obligations as an EU member state. "As a nation, we have not adequately addressed our past," remarked YIHR's Mario Mažić, highlighting failures to acknowledge war crimes and recognize the suffering of Serbs.
The fallout from Thompson's concert aligns with a broader global trend, where nationalism appears increasingly visible, especially following Brexit, according to historian Tvrtko Jakovina. He argues that the governing party leverages this nationalist fervor to distract from pressing issues such as tourism, climate change, and economic challenges.
The climax of Thompson's recent gigs aligns with the commemoration of Operation Storm, a controversial military success intertwined with the displacement of a substantial Serbian population. As Croatia navigates its identity in contemporary Europe, the tension between remembering the past and the rise of nationalism remains a contentious hallmark of its national pulse.
