Croatia: Concerns raised over extremism and vandalism in Zagreb and Kostrena

In Croatia, public figures have raised concerns regarding the rise of extremist symbols and vandalism. Renata Kolombo, a Croatian language professor from Kostrena, reported receiving insults and threats after her activism against neo-Nazi and Ustaše symbols in Kostrena and Rijeka. Kolombo criticized the inconsistent response from institutions and the judicial system regarding extremist graffiti and symbols, calling for a consistent ban on the Ustaše salute, ‘Za dom spremni’, in public spaces.

Separately, former President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović expressed frustration regarding the state of Zagreb's city center. Speaking at the reopening of the Mimara Museum, she noted that while much reconstruction has been high quality following the earthquake, newly renovated building facades are frequently defaced by graffiti. She called for greater social responsibility to protect the city's restored heritage.