Peternel on Penava's involvement in May 8 debate: 'I welcome it, but they must agree on June 22'

Zagreb is once again at the center of a historical and political debate, this time ignited by Igor Peternel of the DOMiNO party concerning the commemoration of May 8, 1945. Peternel, who has been vocal in questioning whether this date signifies the liberation or occupation of Zagreb, acknowledged the engagement of Ivan Penava, leader of the Homeland Movement, in this discussion. However, Peternel expressed disappointment that Penava's party has not aligned with his specific proposal to abolish the Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle, celebrated on June 22.

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Pozdravljam da su se uključili, ali ne pozdravljam što nisu podržali moj prijedlog za ukidanje Dana antifašističke borbe 22. lipnja. Tada su rekli da se ne slažu. Sad se moraju dogovoriti jesu li za to da se 22. lipnja ukine ili da ostane.

Peternel stated, "I welcome their involvement, but I do not welcome the fact that they did not support my proposal to abolish the Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle on June 22. They disagreed then. Now they must agree whether June 22 should be abolished or remain." He reiterated his firm stance that the June 22 holiday should be abolished, emphasizing his belief that it is time for a re-evaluation of these historical commemorations.

Adding another layer to his public engagements, Peternel announced his attendance at the "March for Life" event on Saturday. This decision places him in contrast to the Trnjanski Krijesovi bonfire, an event he participated in last year, and highlights the diverse range of public gatherings taking place in Zagreb. The controversy surrounding May 8, 1945, stems from differing interpretations of the events following World War II in Croatia, with Peternel arguing that it marked a "national catastrophe" and the imposition of a new regime, rather than a simple liberation.

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Bit ću na Hodu za život.

From a Croatian perspective, these debates over historical narratives are not merely academic exercises but deeply intertwined with national identity and political discourse. Peternel's position, shared by some nationalist and conservative groups, reflects a desire to critically re-examine the legacy of the Yugoslav period and challenge what they perceive as a one-sided glorification of partisan history. The media's focus on these events, including the minor disruption at Peternel's press conference by a rival event, underscores the sensitivity and public interest surrounding these historical interpretations in Croatia.

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8.5. se nema što slaviti. To je obilježavanje nacionalne katastrofe, ulazak jugoslavenske vojske, horde bandita koje su poubijale sve koje su sreli na tom putu, koje su punile jame koje se i dan danas otkrivaju i koje su građanima oduzele sva njihova prava te otele imovinu.