Page 54 - bne IntelliNews monthly magazine September 2024

54 Opinion bne September 2024
President Zoran Milanovic was quick to condemn the use of Ustasha symbols by some fans at Marko Perkovic Thompson's concert in Imotski. / Marko Perkovic Thompson via Facebook
Croatia’s troubled past becomes early presidential election issue
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Fans' behaviour at a concert by popular but controver- sial singer Marko Perkovic Thompson has brought up uncomfortable issues for Croatia and become a source of contention among the main parties ahead of the presiden- tial election due to take place in December.
The use of Ustasha symbols from the Nazi-aligned fascist regime in Croatia during the Second World War by some of the audience prompted swift condemnation from President Zoran Milanovic, who is seeking re-election.
Meanwhile, the junior partner in the current government, the right-wing nationalist Homeland Movement, called for no action to be taken against concert goers who displayed the symbols.
This put the senior ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) in a difficult position; its statement condemned the use of Ustasha symbols at the concert but also laid into Milanovic.
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Founded between the wars to fight for an independent Croatia, the Ustasha was installed in government after Yugoslavia was occupied by the Axis powers, to lead the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). During its time at the helm of the puppet state, thousands of Jews, Serbs and Romas were killed.
Despite this dark history, Croatian paramilitaries adopted Ustasha symbols and the slogan “For the homeland ready” during the wars that broke up Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Some of Thompson's fans are known for their ultra- nationalist views, often displaying Ustasha symbols, banners and uniforms.
After he performed in Imotski alongside Mate Bulic and Drazen Zecic on August 6, there was outrage in Croatia and neighbouring countries when footage appeared on social media showing black clad concert-goers with the insignia of the NDH, raising their right hands in salute.