Tussle over concert permits between Zagreb’s left-green mayor and right-wing firebrand Marko Perkovic Thompson reflects unresolved ideological tensions in Croatia. Controversial Croatian singer Marko Perkovic Thompson will hold a concert at the Arena Hall in Zagreb on December 27- but instead of the two gigs he had planned, only one will take place. The city authorities have not permitted a second show. The decision has added to a confrontation brewing for some time between the leftist Mayor, Tomislav Tomasevic, and the right-wing singer – whose nickname Thompson is taken from the famous machine gun and whose songs glorify Croatian nationalism. Thompson’s mega-gig in July in Zagreb, which reportedly attracted the largest concert audience that Croatia has ever seen, sparked concerns about resurgent far-right nationalist sentiments in Croatia – and worries that ruling party politicians are capitalising on such sentiments for political advantage.
via balkaninsight: In Croatia, Nationalist Singer Spars with Leftist Mayor Over Concerts