Pahor reveals what Mattarella told him in the midst of the worst crisis

Former President of Slovenia Borut Pahor has revealed a personal story from his time in office that highlights how even among state officials, genuine friendships can form under specific conditions. The account centers around his relationship with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during one of the most challenging periods in Slovenia’s recent history, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Pahor described how their relationship began with formal meetings but gradually evolved into a deep mutual trust. Mattarella visited Slovenia just two months after being elected as Italy's president. Pahor recalled that he was surprised by the warmth and humanity shown by the Italian leader during an informal gathering. Their collaboration deepened over the years, including joint efforts such as laying wreaths at memorials for Slovenian soldiers who died in World War II battles near Kranjska Gora in 2016, and addressing sensitive historical issues directly in Rome two years later. The relationship faced a test in 2019 due to statements made by the Italian side on Remembrance Day. Pahor wrote a personally colored letter to Mattarella, who responded immediately. According to Pahor, this correspondence played a crucial role in shaping future interactions. A pivotal moment occurred on April 9, 2020, when the coronavirus outbreak severely impacted Italy, particularly the region of Bergamo. Pahor called Mattarella to express solidarity and condolences for the tragic situation there. As Pahor prepared to end the call, Mattarella interrupted him with the phrase: “C'è un'altra cosa, Narodni Dom.” Translated as “There is another thing, Narodni Dom,” this marked a turning point in their relationship. Pahor described this moment as transformative, indicating a serious willingness to move beyond long-standing historical disputes between the countries. This conversation led to further developments, culminating in July 13, 2020, when a memorandum was signed in Trst (Trieste) allowing the National Assembly to be used and owned by the Slovenian national community. Before this, Pahor and Mattarella had visited the Bazovica estate, where they paid tribute to victims of fascism and wartime atrocities. A photograph of the leaders holding hands became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Slovenian-Italian dispute. Pahor concluded his account with these words: “We held hands, we said nothing, but we spoke everything.” Pahor emphasized that while genuine friendships between state officials are rare, they are possible when there is mutual interest, high levels of personal trust, consistent behavior in good faith, and some political courage. He noted that such relationships require patience and consistency, often facing challenges and tests. He quoted former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer: “Friendship arises from agreement in mutual convictions and from trust that we have earned.” For illustration, he shared the story of his friendship with Italian President Mattarella. The context of their relationship involves the complex dynamics between Slovenia and Italy, two neighboring countries with intertwined histories. After Slovenia's independence in 1991, both nations sought cooperation and friendship. Italian President Francesco Cossiga was the first foreign head of state to visit Slovenia after its independence, meeting with then-President Milan Kucan and Prime Minister Janez Drnovšek. Despite official diplomatic relations, tensions occasionally arose, especially regarding historical issues that affected Slovenia’s path to EU membership. One notable issue was the handling of historical grievances related to World War II, which influenced bilateral relations. In 1997, Italy, through Brussels, pushed for changes to Slovenia’s constitution, leading to compromises. A more recent effort toward reconciliation came in 2000 with the publication of a joint historical-cultural commission report. However, Italian official policy did not fully recognize the document as a reference, leaving room for political rhetoric and occasional distrust. The commemoration of February 10, the day marking the memory of victims of exile and war crimes, has historically been a flashpoint in bilateral relations. While Italy focused on wartime atrocities, Slovenia addressed the suppression of fascism, though both perspectives were documented in the 2000 report. This tension occasionally hindered cooperation and trust. In 2012 and 2015, Pahor and Mattarella assumed leadership roles in their respective countries, continuing the dialogue initiated earlier. Their relationship, shaped by both formal diplomacy and personal connection, exemplifies how even in international politics, meaningful bonds can emerge.