STA, 25 June 2021 - Prime Minister Janez Janša said in his message on Statehood Day that, 30 years ago, Slovenians had won themselves the liberty of deciding on their fate on their own. "We are still the same nation, which can again be strong, determined and brave, when need be," he added.
"When we we paving the way of independence, we knew that it would not be easy. But we were being driven by the genuine wish, which gave us courage and belief that everything that we do is right and good," Janša said on Friday.
The prime minister noted that Slovenians had wanted to live in a free and democratic state, where the values of freedom, justice, solidarity and fairness will go hand in hand with economic success and well-being.
"In a state that would be the mother homeland for all," Janša said, adding that in the 30 years of independence, Slovenia had come a long way, while many opportunities had also been missed and some values forgotten.
Gradimo Slovenijo. Naš pogled je uprt v naslednjih 30 let. #Gradimo ?? #Zate https://t.co/DfCbQFsyz3
— Janez Janša (@JJansaSDS) June 20, 2021
The challenges of the present time are demanding, but "if we build on our future on respecting one another, accepting our differences and importance of dialogue with those who think differently" Slovenians have nothing to be afraid of.
According to Janša, the fight for freedom and independent Slovenia was won by fighting for democracy first, which was in turn won by means of a fight for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"Thirty years ago we achieved these objectives proudly and with enthusiasm," he said, noting that since then, Slovenia as a sovereign country had joined the EU and NATO and the global international community.
"Together with others we work for our welfare and for peace among nations. So that all nations can live freely," said Janša, who believes that nothing of this had happened over night, without sacrifice and effort.
The prime minister also looked back at the past year, saying that "we have been going through it with a great deal of patience, sacrifice and willpower. After one year, it is understandable that we are running out of will."
Slovenia is close to the wave of discontent and pessimism to go over the brink and "creating tension, spreading hatred and intolerance, calls for exclusion or even death ... in such difficult times is very irresponsible and dangerous."
Interior Minister Aleš Hojs also issued a statement on Statehood Day, noting that the police had played one of the instrumental roles on Slovenia's path to independence 30 years ago.
"At the time, the police performed its mission excellently and they have kept this first stance until today," the minister added.
