Bulj: Mamić's Kissing of Arkan's Widow's Hand is a Symbol of the Lies Sold to the People
Bulj criticizes Mamić's public display of affection towards the widow of a war criminal as a representation of deceptive nationalism in Croatia.
Zdravko Mamić, the former leader of Dinamo Zagreb, was recently filmed enjoying a performance by Svetlana Ceca Ražnatović, the widow of war criminal Željko Ražnatović, also known as Arkan, during a concert in Jahorina. The incident involved Mamić approaching the stage, taking Ražnatović's hand, and kissing it while she expressed her admiration for him. This encounter has sparked significant backlash and discussions regarding nationalism in Croatia.
Miro Bulj, a prominent politician from the Most party, condemned Mamić's actions, claiming that kissing the hand of Arkan's widow symbolizes a longstanding lie sold to the Croatian people. Bulj argued that true patriotism cannot be demonstrated merely through songs and rhetoric while simultaneously engaging in corruption and evading the Croatian judiciary. He called for the rejection of a superficial form of nationalism that is predicated on such displays.
Bulj's statements highlight an ongoing debate in Croatia regarding the portrayal of patriotism and the moral implications of associating with figures tied to controversial pasts. This critique resonates with broader concerns about identity, integrity, and accountability in the context of Croatia's national narrative, raising questions about how the country reconciles its past with current political and cultural symbols.