In a dramatic display of national sentiment, a concert by ultra-nationalist singer Marko Perkovic, known as Thompson, has unveiled the profound divisions within Croatian society. Frequently referred to as a "neo-fascist Croatian Woodstock," the event, held at Zagreb Hippodrome, has struck a nerve about the interpretations of Croatia's history and struggle for independence.
Claims of over half a million tickets sold were contradicted by actual attendance figures in the hundreds of thousands, yet enthusiasm remained palpable. The singer ignited cheers from the crowd with his opening number "Čavoglave Battalion," often met with the chant "Za dom, spremni" — a phrase linked to Croatia’s WWII-era Ustasha regime. This slogan has spiraled into fierce political and social debate, as many view it as a rallying cry for dangerous nationalist sentiments.
Opposition politicians and human rights activists have condemned the invocation of historical salutes associated with the Ustasha regime, which the Croatian Constitutional Court deemed unconstitutional. Tena Banjeglav from Documenta cautioned that such events unleash a wave of nationalism that could lead to violence, pointing out that politicians are adopting confrontational rhetoric in public spaces.
Meanwhile, government officials have downplayed the infamous chant. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic dismissed it as part of Thompson’s artistry, further complicating the country's struggle for a unified national narrative. Conversely, conservative commentator Matija Štahan argues the chant is now more about liberation against perceived political oppression rather than any historical affiliation to fascism.
Youth Initiative for Human Rights director Mario Mažić, however, maintains that it remains unequivocally a fascist phrase that contradicts Croatia's role as an EU member state and calls for accountability regarding past atrocities.
The discourse surrounding these contentious symbols of history has surged, particularly since Brexit, raising awareness about the fragile state of anti-fascist values in Croatia. As recent nationalist celebrations overshadow critical issues like tourism and economic stability, historian Tvrtko Jakovina warns that these sentiments reflect a government evading deeper societal challenges.
With Thompson’s concerts and the ongoing military parade hype, Croatia’s national identity continues to splinter as it navigates the complexities of its own past and present.
