What's happened
Marko Perkovic, known as Thompson, performed a concert in Zagreb attended by 500,000 fans, featuring songs associated with Croatia's WWII Ustasha regime. The event sparked criticism for its nationalist sentiments and pro-Nazi displays, despite being a significant cultural gathering. Authorities deployed extensive security measures, with no major incidents reported.
What's behind the headline?
Cultural Significance
- The concert's immense attendance underscores the enduring popularity of nationalist themes in Croatia, particularly among younger generations.
- Perkovic's music serves as a rallying point for national pride, despite its controversial associations.
Political Implications
- The event raises questions about Croatia's reconciliation with its past, especially regarding the Ustasha regime's atrocities.
- Critics argue that such displays could hinder Croatia's image within the EU, as they evoke memories of a dark historical period.
Future Outlook
- As nationalist sentiments grow, future events may see increased scrutiny and potential backlash from both domestic and international communities.
- The Croatian government faces pressure to address these issues while balancing cultural expression and historical accountability.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Perkovic's concert was attended by half a million people, showcasing his popularity despite the controversial nature of his music. The article notes that many fans displayed pro-Nazi salutes, which are legally punishable in Croatia, yet courts have allowed Perkovic to perform his songs. AP News highlights the security challenges posed by the event, with thousands of police deployed to manage the crowd. Critics, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, condemned the concert as a display of pro-Nazi values, emphasizing the ongoing tensions in the region. The Independent echoes these sentiments, pointing out that the concert reflects a troubling nostalgia for the Ustasha regime among some nationalists, complicating Croatia's relationship with its past.
How we got here
The concert on July 5, 2025, marked a significant cultural event in Croatia, reflecting ongoing nationalist sentiments 30 years after the 1991-95 ethnic war. Perkovic's music, often linked to the Ustasha regime, has drawn both support and condemnation, highlighting the complex legacy of Croatia's past.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this concert for Croatia?
- How has the public reacted to Perkovic's music?
- What historical context is important for understanding this event?
Common question
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What are the cultural and political implications of the Zagreb concert attended by 500,000 fans?
The recent concert by Marko Perkovic, known as Thompson, in Zagreb has sparked significant debate due to its controversial themes and massive turnout. With 500,000 fans in attendance, the event raises questions about nationalism, historical memory, and the current political climate in Croatia. Below, we explore the implications of this concert and the reactions it has generated.
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Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Southeast Europe. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the southeast, sharing a maritime border with Ital
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Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of Croatia. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately 122 m above sea level.
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Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe in the southern Pannonian Plain and the central Balkans.