35 years later: "Woe to him who has no home, who is nowhere his own master" (S. Jenko)

Exactly thirty-five years ago, Slovenia stood at a pivotal moment in its history, facing the challenge of asserting its sovereignty amid intense political pressure both within and beyond its borders. The events of this period were marked by uncertainty, resistance, and determination, as the Democratic Party-led government sought to navigate the complex landscape of national independence while contending with opposition forces and international scrutiny. At the time, many still believed that the Yugoslav People's Army would not attack and that Slovenia would achieve self-determination on the approaching day of independence. However, the situation was fraught with challenges. The left-wing opposition, supported by trade unions, actively opposed the government’s efforts, blocking privatization and denationalization processes, organizing teacher strikes, and conducting parliamentary inquiries. They even replaced the public prosecutor, Drobnič. Meanwhile, the League of Social Democrats of Slovenia (LDS), a relatively powerful political force, demanded the demilitarization of Slovenia. These internal struggles compounded the difficulties faced by the government, which was locked in a fierce battle with Belgrade over customs sovereignty. International pressures further complicated matters. The U.S. ambassador to Yugoslavia, Zimmermann, made it clear that his country would not recognize the independence of Slovenia and Croatia. This stance was echoed by other European nations, including Italy, whose foreign minister, De Michelis, voiced concerns about the potential threat to European security posed by the secession. As a result, external conditions for independence were far from favorable. Yugoslav President Slobodan Milošević arrived in Ljubljana with federal authorities and threatened sanctions against Slovenia if it continued down the path of independence. Despite these threats, Milošević held meetings with the opposition in Ljubljana, forming a kind of anti-Democratic Party alliance. It was widely anticipated that the Democratic Party government would fall by autumn. Despite these adversities, the government pressed forward. Ministers within the cabinet and others worked resolutely both domestically and abroad. Special recognition must be given to individuals such as Peterlet, Janša, Bavčar, Rupl, Kacin, Krkovič, and others who played crucial roles. Without these individuals and their leader, Dr. Jože Pučnik, the historic opportunity might have been lost forever. For Slovenians, the state was not granted as a gift nor as an inevitable historical inevitability. If there had not been courageous individuals who felt bound to the will of the people, nothing would have happened. Although they lacked support from dominant media, they led all social and political subsystems through cadres from the former regime. The secret police and criminal investigators operated according to old patterns, while trade unions remained a political force akin to their previous status. The self-determination advocates faced an impossible task: enforcing the political will of the people under hostile structural conditions. Janša, in particular, bore the heaviest burden, tasked with defending the independence measures with military force should war break out. However, international embargoes on arms imports persisted, and domestic supplies were insufficient, partly because the old political elite had handed over weapons to the Yugoslav army. Just days before the aggression, considerable uncertainty prevailed, exacerbated by the media. What saved the day was the firm resolve of the Democratic Party government to carry out the national project and the high level of public trust in that government. That, clearly, was enough. Today, it is fitting to remember these sacred chapters of Slovenian history in new ways. Last Friday, the Institute for Dr. Jože Pučnik organized an international conference titled "35 Years Later, Assessments and Analyses of Transition to Normality." On Saturday, demonstrations for the homeland took place in several Slovenian cities. With pride, we pay homage to our home. The legacy of those times continues to resonate, shaping how Slovenia views itself today. The events of thirty-five years ago underscore the resilience and determination of a nation striving for autonomy amidst formidable odds.