BUZ challenges Croatian athletes over silence after Lika protest: “Where were they yesterday?”

“Where were Croatian athletes yesterday?” the Blok umirovljenici zajedno party asked, accusing them of remaining publicly silent during events that part of the public considered important.

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Where were Croatian athletes yesterday?

BUZ recalled how citizens have welcomed Croatian athletes after major victories, gathering in town squares with flags and, the party said, often tears of joy. It argued that the absence of a public response was itself a choice.

The party stressed that it was not asking athletes to align themselves with political parties. Different political views, it said, were not the problem. The problem arose when athletes chose not to react because of personal reasons or closeness to particular political structures.

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When it was necessary to stand with their own people, with citizens who had always supported them, celebrated their victories and made them national symbols, silence followed.

BUZ said athletes’ public status carries a degree of social responsibility. “Citizens do not ask athletes to be politicians, but they do ask and expect a minimum of civic courage and responsibility,” the party said.

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Citizens do not ask athletes to be politicians, but they do ask and expect a minimum of civic courage and responsibility.

It also argued that Croatian athletes’ successes are not solely personal achievements, but are closely linked to the public support that follows and celebrates them. Addressing athletes directly, BUZ said: “Remember September 5 well, because the people remember who stood with them when times were hard, but they also remember those who turned their heads.” The party concluded that being a source of pride for Croatia requires more than standing on a winners’ podium. “The pride of Croatia is having the courage to stand with your people when it is most needed.”

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The pride of Croatia is having the courage to stand with your people when it is most needed.