Janša at the celebration of sovereignty day: Slovenia needs a new development boost

Prime Minister Janez Janša delivered the keynote address at the central state celebration for Sovereignty Day in Koper on Tuesday, marking the 35th anniversary of the departure of the last Yugoslav People’s Army soldiers from Slovenian territory. The ceremony, held on Ukmar Square near the sea, was marked by continuous whistling and shouting from sections of the crowd, which interrupted the Prime Minister’s speech throughout its duration. Police were required to intervene during the disturbance, a scene that has become familiar over the past three consecutive state celebrations featuring prime ministers, including former leader Robert Golob. The commemoration coincided with the 35th anniversary of the final JLA vessel leaving Slovenian territorial waters shortly after midnight on October 26, 1991. This event symbolized the definitive establishment of Slovenian sovereignty following a ten-day conflict that began after the official declaration of independence on June 25, 1991. Janša, who served as defense minister during the 1991 war and spoke at the first anniversary ceremony in the same location, highlighted the military victory against what he described as one of the strongest armies in Europe at the time. He stated that this victory opened the door to international recognition and allowed Slovenia to decide its own future. In his address, Janša reflected on the initial optimism following independence, noting that many had dreamed of transforming Slovenia into a second Switzerland. He cited new self-confidence, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial initiative as the foundations for early development. According to figures presented by the Prime Minister, Slovenia’s gross domestic product per capita, measured by purchasing power parity, reached 91 percent of the European Union average in 2008, up from 59 percent in 1992. He argued that had the country maintained this pace, it would today rank among the five most developed EU nations. Instead, Janša characterized the subsequent years as a period of lost opportunities, citing a slide back into systems of privilege, interest-based connections, selective justice, and political exclusion. He specifically criticized the abolition of the Museum of Slovenian Independence and the handling of historical symbols by previous governments, stating that some actors did not view independent Slovenia as an intimate option. The atmosphere prior to the event was already charged with political tension. Parts of the opposition announced their absence from the ceremony due to the official invitation referring to the occasion as the "35th anniversary of the liberation of Slovenia." These critics argued that Slovenia achieved independence through self-determination rather than being liberated by external forces. Further controversy arose from organizers' decision not to invite flag bearers from the Association of Fighters for the Values of NOB, whose banners featured red stars. President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar also did not attend the ceremony, citing disagreement with certain government measures. She issued a written message instead, describing sovereignty as both a right and a responsibility born from centuries of effort and sacrifice. The cultural program included musical performances, poetry, and flyovers by aircraft, alongside participation from the Slovenian Armed Forces, police units, and Civil Protection services. Janša emphasized that the independence movement was the result of a long struggle for language, identity, and survival. He pointed to the December 1990 referendum and the May Declaration of 1989 as key milestones. While acknowledging the courage and unity of the generation that fought for independence, he warned that freedom and progress are not self-evident. He called for protected borders, the rule of law, and meritocracy, urging the nation to overcome developmental stagnation. The Prime Minister concluded by reminding attendees of those who paid the highest price for an independent Slovenia. He stated that the duty of the current generation is to leave behind more freedom, joy, security, and peace than they inherited. The event underscored the enduring divisions within Slovenian society regarding the interpretation of recent history and the legacy of the 1991 conflict. Despite the disruptions, the ceremony proceeded with military ceremonies and symbolic displays of national pride. The presence of high-ranking officials, including Speaker of the National Assembly Zoran Stevanović, contrasted with the vocal dissent from parts of the audience. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenge of maintaining national cohesion while navigating deep-seated political disagreements over the narrative of Slovenia's path to sovereignty.