7 July 2025

Marko Perković and Fans Display Pro-Nazi Salute at Large Concert in Croatia

Marko Perkovic, a prominent right-wing singer from Croatia, recently faced backlash following a massive concert in Zagreb where he and hundreds of thousands of fans performed a pro-Nazi salute. The salute is notably tied to Croatia’s Nazi-era puppet regime known as the Ustasha, which ran concentration camps during World War II. One of Perkovic’s most famous songs starts with the phrase “For the homeland — Ready!” This phrase is historically linked to the Ustasha and has spurred controversy over its use.

While Perkovic, whose stage name is derived from a U.S.-made machine gun, asserts that both the song and salute reflect his experiences during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995, critics argue that the roots of the salute are unmistakably tied to a dark period in Croatian history. The war was ignited by Serb rebels, who sought independence from Croatia and sought to join with Serbia. Perkovic’s popularity underscores the lingering nationalist sentiments in Croatia, even three decades after the conflict ended. The atrocities committed by the Ustasha, which included the brutal killings of Serbs, Jews, Roma, and anti-fascist Croats, remain a painful chapter in Croatian history.

Despite these documented crimes, some nationalists still regard the Ustasha leaders as pivotal figures in the establishment of Croatia’s independence. Organizers estimated that half a million fans attended Perkovic’s concert, with reports indicating that many displayed pro-Nazi salutes. Although saluting in this manner is illegal in Croatia, courts ruled that Perkovic can continue using it in his performances. His concerts have been banned in several European cities due to frequent pro-Nazi references.

Critics in Serbia have condemned the concert, calling it an endorsement of pro-Nazi values and a shame for Croatia and the European Union. Despite Croatia’s EU membership since 2013, the concert showcased significant challenges relating to national identity and historical interpretation.