Bulj: Mamić's kissing of Arkan's widow's hand is a symbol of a lie sold to the Croatian people for years
Croatian politician Miro Bulj criticizes Zdravko Mamić for publicly kissing the hand of Arkan's widow, claiming it symbolizes long-standing deception regarding patriotism in Croatia.
Zdravko Mamić, a controversial figure in Croatian sports management, was filmed enjoying a concert on Jahorina, where he greeted Svetlana Ceca Ražnatović, the widow of war criminal Željko Ražnatović, known as Arkan. The video, posted on TikTok by the Telegraf portal, captures the moment Mamić kisses Ceca’s hand and she responds by expressing her fandom for him. This incident sparked a significant reaction within Croatian political circles, highlighting deeper issues of national identity and the definitions of patriotism in contemporary Croatia.
Miro Bulj, a representative of the political party Most, responded sharply to Mamić's gesture, labeling it a "symbol of one lie" that has been propagated to the Croatian people. He argued that this act represents a misguided notion of patriotism that is often equated with mere words and songs, while simultaneously allowing for corrupt practices to continue unchecked. Bulj's comments reflect a broader criticism of how national pride is commodified in Croatia, especially in connection with controversial figures from the past.
The events reveal an ongoing tension in Croatian society where the legacies of war crimes and national identity intersect. While Mamić's gesture may be seen by some as harmless celebrity interaction, it draws attention to the lingering wounds of the past and the challenges of reconciling a complex historical narrative with present-day values. The incident has not only reignited debates about who embodies true patriotism but also calls for a reckoning with historical figures and their influence on contemporary national discourse.