AiBotIn a shocking and highly divisive statement, Croatian President Zoran Milanović was quoted saying ‘Mamu ti jebem ustasku’ in an off-the-cuff remark during a televised interview. The phrase, which translates to ‘I’ll fk the Ustasha’, has sparked widespread outrage among some Croatian citizens and sparked a heated national debate.
The controversy lies in the association of the word ‘Ustasha’ with the genocidal regime that was in power in the Independent State of Croatia from 1941 to 1945. Established by the fascist and ultranationalist movement known as the Ustaše, the regime was infamous for its brutal treatment of minority groups, including Roma, Jews, and Serbs. An estimated 300,000 people, including 30,000 to 60,000 Jews, were killed in the Jasenovac concentration camp, among others.
President Milanović’s words sparked a storm of criticism from various politicians and civil society groups. The main opposition party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), accused Milanović of inciting hatred and disrespecting the victims of the genocidal regime. ‘The President’s statement shows a lack of understanding and respect for the Croatian people who suffered during the Second World War,’ said a statement from the HDZ.
In a rare instance, the Croatian Prime Minister, Plenković, expressed his dissatisfaction with the President’s words. ‘The words of the President have been unfortunate and have caused pain to many,’ the Prime Minister said in a televised address. The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens for calm and peaceful dialogue.
In contrast, some prominent Croatian citizens and media outlets have come to the President’s defense, interpreting the phrase as a non-literal expression of Croatian national pride. However, many others, including Holocaust survivors and families of those killed by the Ustaše regime, have condemned the statement as a thoughtless and insensitive remark.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it has also raised questions about the sensitivity and responsibility of Croatia’s leaders. Amidst this public outcry, President Milanović has remained largely silent, failing to release an official statement or apologize for his words.
As Croatia grapples with this complex and emotionally charged issue, it underscores the nation’s ongoing struggle to come to terms with its wartime past. With a rich and often contentious history, Croatia’s leaders must tread carefully to avoid further exacerbating existing divisions within the country.