Ready for another scandal shaking Croatia? Marko Perković Thompson, the controversial Croatian singer known for glorifying the Ustaše, is back in the spotlight! After his July 5 concert in Zagreb, where Ustaše songs and the chant “Za dom spremni” echoed, the European Commission sharply condemned the expression of fascism. But that’s not the end – Thompson has scheduled a new concert in Sinj for August 4, the day marking the criminal Operation Storm, sparking a storm of reactions.
Zagreb’s mayor Tomislav Tomašević has made it clear that while he is in office, such concerts will not be organized in the capital due to citizen safety and quality of life. However, Thompson and his manager Zdravko Barišić are not backing down – they promise a spectacle with top-notch production, lighting, pyrotechnics, and drones, promising a “patriotic gathering” in Sinj.
The situation in the Croatian parliament is even tenser. MP Miro Bulj ended his speech with the chant “Za dom spremni,” provoking fierce reactions, insults, and accusations of promoting Ustaše ideology. Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and Milorad Pupovac from SDSS condemned the salute as unacceptable in parliament, while right-wingers accuse the left of loving communism and Yugoslavism.
The European Commission reminds that fascism and hate speech are unacceptable and that EU member states must criminally sanction public incitement to violence and hatred. Yet, in Croatia, this problem seems to deepen, with divided reactions from authorities and society.
This saga of concerts, political clashes, and fascist symbols casts a shadow over Croatia and reminds us how important it is not to forget history and not to allow hatred to spread again. So, what do you think about all this? Is Thompson just a singer or a dangerous symbol of the past that should be left where it belongs? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
