Govor predsednika Državnega zbora ob dnevu samostojnosti in enotnosti (v angleškem jeziku)

Speech by the President of the National Assembly to commemorate Independence and Unity Day

Esteemed citizens,

fellow Slovenians at home and abroad!

Today, we celebrate the historic and brave steps taken by our homeland, Slovenia. History was written on this very day, on 23 December 1990, when 93.2 per cent of voters took part in the plebiscite on the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Slovenia. Ninety-five per cent of voters answered with a resounding “YES” when asked whether Slovenia should become independent. 

No such consensus would have been reached without the firm historical, economic and intellectual arguments our nation had for taking this courageous step. It would not have been possible without a wide-reaching and broad civil and social movement. It would not have been possible without fearless individuals and members of the media who fought for their right to report. Ladies and gentlemen, there would probably have been no such decision without the clear and promising possibility of joining the European Union at the time, something that is unfortunately lacking today.

On 25 June 1991, after centuries of fighting for the right to our own language and culture, we finally had a country we could call our own, and we could proudly raise the Slovenian flag. However, this historic step was not without consequences. Our perseverance, national consciousness and determination were tested once again during the Slovenian War of Independence, during which some of our compatriots gave their lives in service of their country. 

Those years were marked by the plebiscite, the war for independence, and the Slovenian flag and Constitution, which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.

This is therefore a day of celebration. However, it is difficult to ignore the question of whether we are on the right path. We can hardly turn a blind eye to almost two years of battling a pandemic that continues to claim numerous and unnecessary victims. While medical personnel in our hospitals continue to expend Herculean efforts to save the lives of patients ravaged by COVID-19, while our youngest citizens face quarantines and severely curtailed contact with their peers and many workers find themselves in a constant state of uncertainty due to unpredictable and rapidly changing measures, there are those who would use these circumstances to settle political scores, assign blame and play politics.  

While we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our Constitution, it is also impossible to ignore the fact that we continue to be unaware of the responsibility placed on us by the decisions issued by the Constitutional Court. Issuing ordinances, which are later found to be unconstitutional, the inability to implement the decisions of the Constitutional Court, verbal attacks by politicians on the Constitutional and ordinary courts, not to mention political pressure on prosecutors and undermining the Slovenian Press Agency, all show a lack of respect for our Constitution and our country.

We are not in a difficult predicament solely as a country, but also as a society. The challenges of today require united responses, not divisions and opportunities to politically subjugate state institutions and publicly-owned media companies! Being deeply divided only makes us weaker than ever before!

Today, we know that this is no way to live – starved for human interaction, tired from all the uncertainty and surrounded by discourse that can hardly make anyone proud. It is only right we want change, for things to be better!

After all the courageous acts that contributed to the birth of Slovenia, social unity seems to have been left by the wayside. We need to find it once again! We can only truly be a prosperous society when, despite our differences, we can all agree on the kind of country and world we want to live in. When we can all agree on how best to fight the pandemic. 

If we want to transcend these difficult social circumstances and emerge as victors, it is once again time for bold decisions. Ladies and gentlemen, here, most of the burden lies with us, the politicians. When people want their children to go to safe kindergartens and schools, when they want to live in a healthy environment, when they want a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and a good pension, or when they want to live in a safe, democratic country, respected abroad, they are not asking us for the impossible.  

Today, we once again have the historical, economic and intellectual arguments necessary to take bold steps. We have a broad and wide-reaching desire for peace and freedom. We have brave individuals and whole editorial boards that will not cede their right to report. There IS a better tomorrow on the horizon. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Diversity enriches us and division impoverishes us. There are only 2 million Slovenians. We must realise that creating divisions can only benefit individuals and political groups, but never society as a whole. Esteemed politicians, citizens, it is time to retire the use of derogatory language. 

As it was decades ago, Slovenia is still a country of natural beauty and hard-working people. Let us keep this in mind when communicating on social networks.  

Ladies and gentlemen, 

The National Assembly will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, when citizens will elect their new representatives. Let us ask ourselves whether we are still true to the commitments we made when we were elected to this highest legislative body in the land, as were the proud men and women before us.

The generations before us had the historical opportunity and courage to be able to decide on our independence, but now it’s our generation’s turn. As we approach the end of the year, the vow we give as politicians is more important than ever. The vow to build, not break apart. To find common ground, not create obstacles.

Only through tolerant civic engagement and dedication to our daily responsibilities can each and every one of us contribute towards a democratic, just, and prosperous Slovenia, one we can all be proud of.

I would like to congratulate all citizens, all Slovenians, both home and abroad, on this national holiday of Independence and Unity Day. 
During the festive season, I would also like to wish you a happy and healthy 2022, a year full of strengthened conviction that we, as a society, can achieve even the most ambitious goals.

Good luck, Slovenia!