Culture Without Context? Thompson, “Neutrality,” and Cultural Policy in Rijeka

by Katarina Damčević Following several politically charged concerts elsewhere in Croatia, Rijeka officials have confirmed that the ultra‑nationalist singer Thompson will soon take the stage at a city‑owned venue. This comment argues that the mayor's claim of cultural "neutrality" actually masks a political decision legitimizing nationalist symbolism in public spaces. After Marko Perković, known as Thompson, held a concert in Zagreb’s Arena on 27 December 2025 – where he not only performed so...