In a recent appearance on HRT, political analyst Žarko Puhovski delved into the contentious political climate surrounding the organization of a welcome event for the Croatian handball team. He pointed out the resurgence of political and ideological divisions that have affected sports, with polarized labels such as "ustasha," "četnik," and "udbaš" being used without true understanding of their historical significance. Puhovski highlighted a concerning recent court case in Rijeka where a defendant claimed ignorance about the meanings of these terms and the historical context, suggesting a wider trend of apathy towards history among the youth.

Puhovski expressed his belief that many young people are disconnected from historical narratives and engage in a dichotomy of "us versus them." This disconnection raises alarms about the state of civic education and engagement in the country, with Puhovski arguing that many in this demographic follow a simplistic mindset that reinforces division rather than understanding. He emphasized the need for a more nuanced conversation about Croatia's past and its ongoing implications for contemporary society.

Furthermore, he critiqued the popular song "Ako ne znaš šta je bilo" (If You Don't Know What Happened), explaining that while the song acknowledges a problem, it misinterprets the historical context related to national pride and identity. Puhovski's observations underscore a significant issue in Croatian society, where an understanding of history is essential for navigating current political narratives and fostering unity rather than division.