Malić responded to Kekin regarding her criticism of the Croatian Army: Here’s what he said
Gordan Malić and Ivana Kekin engage in a public disagreement over the portrayal of the Croatian Army in schools and the legacy of World War II partisans.
In a recent parliamentary speech, Ivana Kekin, a representative from the left-wing party Možemo, criticized the government for what she termed the 'militarization of society,' particularly objecting to a school visit to the Croatian Army. This critique stems from her concerns about the implications of introducing students to the military, especially in the context of historical sensitivity surrounding war. Her comments sparked a backlash, especially considering the contentious history of partisans in Croatia during and after World War II.
Gordan Malić, a journalist, responded to Kekin's statements on Facebook, highlighting the irony of her stance. He pointed out that while she opposes children's engagement with the Croatian Army, her party has been involved in organizing events that celebrate the partisan legacy, which many view as controversial due to the brutalities carried out by partisans during the war. This situation illustrates a deeper societal divide over military engagement in youth education and the interpretation of Croatia's wartime history.
The exchange between Kekin and Malić underscores the ongoing debate in Croatia regarding the legacy of the various factions from World War II, the role of the military in contemporary society, and how history should be presented to the younger generations. As the tension around these themes continues, it reflects a broader discourse about national identity and historical memory in Croatia.