Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević accused Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s government on Monday of what he called “institutional violence” and an unconstitutional overreach after the Croatian government took over the organisation of a public reception for the national handball team.
Speaking at a news conference, Tomašević said the city had not cancelled the planned welcome ceremony and rejected claims circulating in the public that city authorities opposed patriotic music or sought to block the event.
“We had agreed on the programme as early as Thursday,” Tomašević said. “It is a lie that the city was against patriotic songs. It is also a lie that Zagreb cancelled the reception.”
The dispute erupted after media reports said the government stepped in to organise the event following a disagreement over the participation of singer Marko Perković Thompson, whose public performances on city-owned spaces are restricted under previous municipal decisions.
Tomašević said the request for Thompson to perform was made at the last moment and amounted to an ultimatum.
“That request did not exist until late last night,” he said. “Everyone knows what happened in December and why his performance on public land is not permitted. We cannot violate our own decisions.”
The mayor said the government’s decision to proceed regardless set a dangerous precedent.
“This is a direct attack by the state on the City of Zagreb,” Tomašević said. “It is irresponsible behaviour by Prime Minister Plenković and a violation of the constitution. I do not recall any government doing this to a local authority before.”
The Croatian government has said it intervened to meet the wishes of the handball players, who reportedly insisted on Thompson’s participation. Tomašević said support for the national team crossed political lines and that the only disputed issue was the singer’s involvement.
He also criticised police actions during the dispute, questioning whether municipal authorities were being prevented from carrying out their duties.
“Is this a country governed by the rule of law if such things can happen?” he asked.
Tomašević said he would not reverse decisions adopted by the city assembly despite threats and protests.
“I do not answer to the government of Croatia, but to the citizens of Zagreb,” he said.