Imagine this: half a million people flooding Zagreb for Marko Perković Thompson’s concert, and there’s no peace to be found! As the city prepares for the biggest musical spectacle in European history, complaints are everywhere — from German media warning not to travel to Zagreb because of Thompson, to local bars hiking beer prices up to 7 euros and wine up to 24 euros. Yes, you read that right!
Thompson and the never-ending controversies
Marko Perković Thompson is not just a folk-rock star; he’s a symbol of deep social divides in Croatia. His concerts across Europe have often been canceled due to accusations of glorifying the Ustaše regime, an ally of Nazi Germany. German media like Deutschlandfunk and Focus don’t hold back — calling him an extreme right-wing pop star, while Swiss 20 Minuten writes about his banned iconography.
Half a million people and logistical chaos
About 500,000 people are expected at the Zagreb concert! Yes, half a million! A city of around 800,000 residents is ready to host nearly twice its population. German Focus warns of possible traffic collapse, healthcare strain, and public safety issues. Austrian Heute reports citizens’ fears that the city will be blocked, while police are already busy — 44 people have been detained, mostly for pyrotechnics, and there were small fires on the Sava embankment.
Political support and controversial symbols
Croatia’s political elite, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, are expected at the concert. Influential HDZ members even asked Thompson to use only patriotic messages and official Croatian symbols to avoid scandals and diplomatic tensions. Still, the atmosphere is tense — police and security services are on alert for possible incidents and political messages that could provoke international reactions.
Bars and prices that hurt your wallet
As the crowd prepares for the spectacle, local bars around Bundek are raising prices sky-high. Beer at 7 euros, wine at 24 euros, and Jack Daniels at a whopping 40 euros per liter! Tens of thousands of beer cans have been ordered, and staff are working overtime to handle the fan rush. Some bars are even considering canceling reservations because they expect too many people.
What fans and critics say
While German and Austrian media write about right-wing extremists and political tensions, many young Croats don’t want to miss this event. For them, it’s a musical celebration, not a political rally. Still, the ideological framework of the concert is clear — slogans linked to the fascist past are expected, and police are ready to respond to any violence or provocations.
Conclusion: spectacle or chaos?
This concert is not just a musical event but a mirror of deep social and political divides in Croatia. With half a million people, high prices, police interventions, and diplomatic tensions, Zagreb is on the edge of total chaos. Is this a celebration of culture or a dangerous provocation? Drop your thoughts — maybe you know how this will end!
And while we wait to see how it all unfolds, don’t forget — if you’re in Zagreb, brace yourself for crowds, high prices, and maybe a few fireworks that aren’t on stage. So, what do you think about Thompson? Hero or headache? Join the conversation and let’s see which side you’re on!
