By: Sara Kovač (Nova24tv)
While around half a million people in Zagreb proudly and respectfully honoured Croatian history and homeland by attending the largest concert in Croatia’s history on Saturday, alarm bells went off within the ranks of the radical Levica party. The reason? The presence of SDS leader Janez Janša at the event. He responded by saying that Thompson is a civilised Croatian patriot, while they are worshippers of criminals.
In response to the ideological attacks from Levica, Janša wrote: “So now, after you cabbage-patch ideologues shot yourselves in the foot with your referendum scam, MP Thompson is your biggest problem? While he is a civilised Croatian patriot, Levica is made up of characters who cannot even define their own gender, yet presume to lecture others on history, ethics, and morality.”
He added: “Not to mention your worship of criminals, denial of genocide, and glorification of dictatorships and human rights violations. You are a disgrace not only to Slovenia but to the entire civilised world…”
Thompson’s concert – A celebration of Croatian patriotism and Christianity
The concert by Croatian musician Marko Perković Thompson, known for his strongly patriotic and Christian-themed songs, was held at the Zagreb Hippodrome and drew hundreds of thousands of people. According to organisers, more than 500,000 attendees were present, placing it among the largest paid concerts in the world.
The atmosphere was both prayerful and proud, fearless in tone. Thompson welcomed the crowd at the start with the words: “Praise Jesus and Mary – Croatia is returning to its Christian roots!”
Janša attended the event with his wife
Alongside Janez Janša was his wife, Urška Bačovnik Janša. The event was also attended by MEP Branko Grims.
The leftist backlash over someone from Slovenia attending a neighbouring country’s concert celebrating its freedom and faith reflects, according to critics, Levica’s disconnect from reality. Janša commented: “You do not deserve a country for which our compatriots gave their lives in 1991. He warned that Levica is again attempting to normalise restrictions on freedom of expression.
Levica seeking comfort in ideological themes
In recent weeks, the Levica party has been under heavy criticism due to the failures of Robert Golob’s government. Now, it appears they are attempting to shift attention by focusing on ideological issues, such as a concert in another country, to appeal to their voter base.
Janša’s final warning was clear: “We fought so that in democratic Slovenia, everyone can express their views, even if they are as despicable as yours. But do not think for a second that you will ever again be able to use democracy to abolish freedom of speech, religion, and thought. Try – and you will end up like your criminal idols with red stars on YPA tanks.