Red placards announcing the event 'Zagreb School of Communism' have appeared in Zagreb, provoking outrage from local officials regarding their implications for the victims of past regimes.
In recent days, Zagreb has seen the reemergence of communist imagery on its streets, with red placards promoting an event entitled 'Zagreb School of Communism' scheduled for February 22. The posters feature a stylized Zagreb coat of arms surrounded by a red star, sickle, and hammer, unmistakably invoking the symbols of the former totalitarian regime. Local city councilor Vedran Černy from the DP has condemned this event, drawing attention to the memories of the victims of the Homeland War and referencing a European resolution that condemns all totalitarian regimes.
The event is organized by the Revolutionary Communist Alliance, and further details can be accessed through a QR code printed on the posters. In previous years, it was labeled as the 'Yugoslav School of Communism,' indicating a shift towards a more contemporary narrative. By scanning the QR code, individuals can access a webpage that describes the event as a sort of 'staff school', or a political and educational gathering aimed at those interested in understanding the foundational principles of this ideology.
The public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing concern over the glorification of communist symbols, which evoke painful memories for many who suffered under such regimes. This situation highlights the ongoing societal tensions in Croatia regarding its historical legacy and the balance between free expression and the remembrance of the past. It raises questions about how far societies should go in permitting the public display of ideologies that are deeply associated with oppression and suffering.
