No coins will be issued to commemorate the anniversary of the annexation of Primorska

Jakobu Aljažu kovanec, priključitvi Primorske nič 28. August 2026 The Slovenian government has announced changes to the regulation governing the issuance of commemorative coins in 2027, effectively removing the planned issue of a collector’s coin marking the 80th anniversary of the return of the Istrian peninsula to Slovenia. The decision has sparked controversy among opposition parties, particularly the Social Democrats (SD), who argue that the move undermines the historical significance of the peninsula's reintegration into the country. According to official documents released on August 28, 2026, the revised regulation now focuses solely on commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Jakob Aljaž, a prominent Slovenian national hero, cultural figure, and mountaineer. Previously, the government had planned to issue both a memorial coin for Aljaž and a collector’s coin for the 80th anniversary of the return of Istria to Slovenia. This change was made after the ruling coalition decided to prioritize the Aljaž commemoration over the Istrian return. The decision follows a January 2026 announcement by the previous government, which had approved the issuance of two coins in 2027. The memorial coin would have honored the centenary of the birth of illustrator Ančka Gošnik Godec, while the collector’s coin would have marked the 80th anniversary of the return of Istria to Slovenia. The central bank of Slovenia had already selected the design for the Istrian coin through a public competition earlier this year, with the winning entry featuring a symbolic representation of the region’s history. In response to the government’s decision, SD MP Meira Hot raised concerns during a parliamentary session on August 28, 2026. She acknowledged the importance of honoring Aljaž but warned that omitting the Istrian return from the commemorative schedule could lead to disappointment among residents of the region and those who value its historical significance. “The return of Istria represents a key milestone in Slovenian national identity,” she stated. “Just as Aljaž’s work inspired a sense of national belonging, the return of the peninsula symbolizes the realization of these aspirations in practice.” Hot emphasized that the law allows for up to ten commemorative events per year, suggesting that the government could have chosen both milestones without conflict. “It would have been possible to honor both events without sacrificing one for the other,” she argued. “The return of Istria was just as crucial to Slovenia’s sovereignty and national consciousness as Aljaž’s legacy.” The Ministry of Finance explained that the decision to focus on Aljaž’s centennial was based on the timing, symbolic power, and long-term numismatic value of the theme. They noted that 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity to commemorate Aljaž, whom they describe as one of the most significant figures in Slovenian national, cultural, and mountainous heritage. “Aljaž’s contributions transcend his historical period and geographic context,” the ministry stated. “His name is inseparably linked to Mount Triglav, the Aljaž Tower, and the development of Slovenian mountaineering. His legacy is deeply tied to the awareness of Slovenia’s territory and its cultural and natural heritage.” Despite the government’s rationale, critics argue that the omission of the Istrian return diminishes the recognition of another pivotal moment in Slovenian history. The return of the peninsula following World War II was a result of the resistance efforts of the local population, their defiance against fascism, and their participation in the national liberation struggle. It also played a critical role in shaping Slovenia’s current international borders. As the debate continues, the government has yet to provide further clarification on whether future commemorations will include the Istrian return or if the decision marks a permanent shift in how such events are recognized. For now, the focus remains on the 2027 commemoration of Jakob Aljaž, with the central bank preparing the final designs for the new coin.