Zagreb on Fire: Thompson’s Concert as the Epicenter of Hate and Arrogance!
While Zagreb’s mayor Tomislav Tomašević firmly declares that concerts like this will no longer happen, as they disrupt citizens’ safety and quality of life, the scene at the Zagreb Hippodrome looked like a nightmare come true. At the concert of Marko Perković Thompson, a controversial Croatian singer, Ustasha salutes were sung, and the police, according to the mayor, remained silent – they did not react or identify the perpetrators, as if it was all allowed!
The Ustasha Salute ‘Dom Spremni’ – Normalizing Hate?
The mayor’s party sharply condemns the use of the Ustasha salute “Dom Spremni” at the concert, calling on state institutions to sanction all who sang Ustasha songs and displayed symbols. “Dom Spremni” has been confirmed by the Constitutional Court as an Ustasha salute and should be legally banned in any context. They expect clear condemnation from the Speaker of the Parliament and the Croatian Government, otherwise the entire ruling majority tacitly or explicitly allows Ustasha symbolism normalization.
Political Tensions and Social Division
This concert is not just a musical event but a political scandal revealing deep divisions in Croatian society. While some sing patriotic songs, others see it as glorifying a criminal ideology. Mayor Tomašević and his party clearly stand on the side of antifascism and call for fighting revisionism and relativization of Ustasha crimes.
Economics at the Concert: A Bottle of Water for 5 Euros?
While music was playing on stage, prices at stands were astronomical! A bottle of water cost a staggering 5 euros, a ham and cheese sandwich 8 euros, half a liter of beer 7 euros, and concert T-shirts as much as 37 euros! Organizers claimed about half a million people attended, and tickets ranged from 30 to 60 euros, meaning Thompson could have earned around 17.5 million euros from tickets alone. However, vendors at the hippodrome did not earn as much as expected because the area was partially fenced, and many complained about the exorbitant prices of basic items.
Another Concert on the Horizon
Although the mayor announced that such concerts will no longer happen, Thompson has already scheduled another concert in Sinj on August 4, meaning controversies will continue. While city services clean the hippodrome, social media is ablaze with comments and condemnations.
What Do Politicians Say?
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić called this concert “the biggest fascist gathering” in Croatia since World War II, emphasizing that it is a direct promotion of Ustasha ideology, the worst form of Nazi ideology. On the other hand, the European Commission had no comment on the event, further fueling tensions.
Conclusion: Croatia at a Crossroads
As society struggles with the legacy of the past, such events show how difficult it is to reconcile different views on history and identity. Thompson’s concert is not just a musical event but a symbol of deep social and political conflicts. Whether Croatia will manage to distance itself from its fascist past and move towards a more inclusive future remains to be seen.
What do you think about this concert and the authorities’ reactions? Is it just music or dangerous politics? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
