The biggest mistake in politics is to be average.

Katja Kokot, leader of the parliamentary group Resni.ca, has made bold statements regarding her political strategy and the role of politicians in society. During an interview with a podcast titled Vroča tema, she emphasized that being average in politics is the greatest mistake. She argued that politicians should provoke public discourse and encourage critical thinking among citizens rather than conforming to mediocrity. Kokot, who previously worked as a veterinarian and holds a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Ljubljana, is currently pursuing a master's degree in management and law. Her approach to politics is marked by a willingness to challenge opponents and draw attention to issues through provocative rhetoric. Kokot discussed how her party, Resni.ca, has become a thorn in the side of left-wing politics in Slovenia. The group, which did not expect to enter parliament, has faced intense criticism and attacks since deciding not to support the government led by Dr. Robert Golob. Despite this, Kokot stated that the group has remained resilient and continues to engage actively in political processes. She noted that the party has been present in various elections over the years, including national, presidential, European, and local elections, witnessing what she described as a campaign against their anti-system stance. The pressure from critics and media scrutiny has not deterred Kokot and her colleagues. Instead, they have adopted a strategy of self-exposure, choosing to face the challenges head-on rather than retreat. This approach, according to Kokot, reflects the belief that being provocative can stimulate public debate and reflection on important societal issues. She expressed a desire for more ordinary citizens to take interest in politics, emphasizing that political decisions affect everyday life, such as fuel prices, electricity costs, and education policies. In a separate development, Icelanders have rejected the possibility of restarting negotiations for EU membership in a recent referendum. According to preliminary results, nearly 52.5 percent of voters opposed the resumption of accession talks, while approximately 47.5 percent supported them. The final count was still pending in one of six electoral districts, where a few ballot boxes remained to be counted. The result marks a clear rejection of the idea of joining the European Union, despite previous efforts by the Icelandic government to pursue closer ties with Brussels. Iceland’s decision to reject renewed EU accession talks comes after a long period of consideration. The country first applied for EU membership in 2009 following the global financial crisis, which severely impacted its economy. However, in 2013, a new Eurosceptic government halted the negotiations, and in 2015, the EU was informed that Iceland was no longer a candidate country. The issue has resurfaced recently due to changes in the political landscape, particularly with the formation of a new coalition government in 2024 that included parties more open to EU integration. Public opinion polls prior to the referendum indicated a divided population on the question of EU accession. Some surveys suggested a slight advantage for supporters of renewed negotiations, while others predicted a near-tie outcome. The final result, however, clearly favored those opposing further engagement with the EU. This outcome reflects broader sentiments in Iceland, where concerns over sovereignty, economic independence, and cultural identity have played a significant role in shaping public attitudes toward EU membership. The referendum result will likely influence future political strategies in Iceland, especially given the current government's composition. While some members of the ruling coalition have advocated for greater alignment with Europe, the majority of the electorate appears to favor maintaining Iceland’s current status outside the EU. This decision underscores the complex interplay between domestic priorities and international relations, highlighting the importance of public opinion in shaping national policy directions.