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Zagreb Mayor Defends Liberation Day Commemoration Amidst Political Criticism
🇭🇷 Croatia /Elections & Politics

Zagreb Mayor Defends Liberation Day Commemoration Amidst Political Criticism

From Večernji List · (2h ago) Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević responded to criticism from DP leader Ivan Penava regarding the commemoration of Zagreb's Liberation Day.
  • Tomašević affirmed his commitment to always marking May 8th as Liberation Day, a date he has observed throughout his mayoral terms.
  • He pointed out that government representatives, including Penava, have consistently attended such commemorations, questioning the basis for current objections.

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević has firmly defended the city's tradition of commemorating May 8th as Liberation Day, directly addressing recent criticisms leveled by DP leader Ivan Penava. In a clear assertion of his political stance and the historical significance of the date, Tomašević stated his unwavering commitment to honoring this day, a practice he has maintained throughout his tenure as mayor.

"I will always mark the Day of the Liberation of Zagreb. I did it in the previous term. I was re-elected mayor of Zagreb. I will do it in this term," Tomašević declared, emphasizing the continuity of this tradition. He highlighted that the renewal of the Trnjanski Kresovi, a related event, began over a decade ago, predating his time in office, thereby contextualizing the ongoing nature of these observances.

I will always mark the Day of the Liberation of Zagreb. I did it in the previous term. I was re-elected mayor of Zagreb. I will do it in this term.

— Tomislav TomaševićAffirming his commitment to commemorating Zagreb's Liberation Day.

Tomašević also pointedly noted the presence of government representatives, including Penava himself, at similar events, including recent commemorations in Jasenovac and the Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle. "As for Ivan Penava, representatives of the Government, in which he is, are here and they are here every year," Tomašević remarked, questioning the shift in perspective or objection.

He underscored the historical importance of May 8th, marking the fall of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) regime, which he described as responsible for systematic killings based on religion, nationality, or political beliefs. Tomašević connected this date to the broader European context, noting that May 8th is widely celebrated as Victory over Fascism Day across many European nations, aligning with the foundational principles of the European Union established after World War II, principles reflected in Croatia's own constitution.

As for Ivan Penava, representatives of the Government, in which he is, are here and they are here every year.

— Tomislav TomaševićPointing out the consistent presence of government officials, including Penava, at similar historical commemorations.
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Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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