The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) has issued a statement denying that Zdravko Mamić was ever a member of their party, amidst allegations from the opposition party Možemo. Mamić, a controversial figure reportedly in hiding, was a well-known supporter of HDZ, often seen at their events and had previously donated to the party. The Možemo party criticized the situation, drawing attention to Mamić's public actions, including an incident at a concert where he engaged with the widow of a convicted war criminal, suggesting that the HDZ is insincere about its values of patriotism and community.

In their rebuttal, HDZ accused Možemo of hypocrisy for attacking them while ignoring past affiliations of members in their own ranks. They point out that while they do not deny the presence of publicly controversial figures like Mamić in their past, they draw a line at insinuations of his membership. Additionally, HDZ seeks to deflect criticism by mentioning their rival party, SDP, implying that Možemo's criticisms lack consistency by not also targeting others who have connections to problematic figures.

The exchange highlights long-standing political tensions in Croatia, particularly as parties maneuver through the complexities of public perception and past associations. This episode illustrates the volatile nature of Croatian politics and reflects broader concerns regarding loyalty, corruption, and the public's trust in political entities, especially concerning figures with criminal histories. The rhetoric around Mamić is not simply about personal connections, but is emblematic of deeper issues regarding governance, accountability, and national identity.