Divided Views: The Fallout from Thompson's Controversial Concert in Zagreb

The recent concert by Croatian ultra-nationalist singer Thompson has highlighted stark divisions within society as the nation grapples with interpretations of its World War II past. While his supporters view the event as patriotic, critics argue it glorifies a dark chapter of Croatian history, inciting calls for reconciliation and reflection.

In recent weeks, a contentious concert by ultra-nationalist singer Marko Perkovic, known as Thompson, has illuminated significant rifts within Croatian society. Dubbed by some as a "neo-fascist Croatian Woodstock," the event attracted hundreds of thousands, revealing starkly differing perspectives on Croatia's historical narrative and national identity.

The concert, held at the Zagreb Hippodrome, saw attendance numbers claimed to be over half a million by Thompson's team, though estimates suggest the turnout was still in the range of several hundred thousand. The atmosphere turned electric as the crowd sang along with Thompson, especially during his opening track, "Čavoglave Battalion." Eager chants of "Za dom" (for homeland), met with shouts of "Spremni!" (ready!), echoed through the venue, drawing approval from members of the ruling HDZ party present.

However, these chants have sparked outrage from opposition parties and human rights advocates. The phrase "Za dom, spremni" has origins tied to the Nazi-aligned Ustasha organization during World War II, leading Croatia's Constitutional Court to deem it unconstitutional. Critics argue that the chant's revival could be a precursor to increasing nationalist fervor in the country. Tena Banjeglav from Documenta, a group advocating for historical reconciliation, believes the government’s leniency toward such expressions has sparked a dangerous surge in nationalism.

Despite the backlash, some commentators within Conservative circles defend Thompson's right to use the phrase, viewing it as a nostalgic cry for freedom. They argue that its meaning has morphed into something contemporary, likening it to modern patriotic expressions in Ukraine.

Opposition groups like the Youth Initiative for Human Rights point out that Croatia has not adequately confronted its war-torn past, highlighting the need for the nation to serve as a model of reconciliation rather than division. The recent resurgence of nationalist sentiment linked to Thompson's concerts coincides with a perceived drawing away from reconciliation efforts, as noted by historian Tvrtko Jakovina. He emphasizes that while pressing contemporary issues linger unaddressed, the focus has shifted to nationalist celebrations, challenging the nation's journey toward unity in the wake of its complex history.