The Bold Lies of the Red Star Worshippers

Prime Minister Janez Janša delivered a speech at the national celebration for Sovereignty Day in Koper on Sunday, marking the 35th anniversary of the departure of the last Yugoslav People's Army soldier from Slovenian territory. The ceremony was attended by 201 members of the defense forces and featured a flyover by allied aircraft. However, the proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by whistles, sirens, and shouts from a group of protesters who sought to disrupt the event. Janša stated that he would not allow himself to be distracted and continued his address, noting that applause from the audience often drowned out the heckling. He emphasized that Slovenia’s freedom was secured through unity and sacrifice, warning against the erosion of values and political exclusion. The day commemorates the night of October 25 to 26, 1991, when the final ship carrying defeated Yugoslav troops left the port of Koper shortly after midnight. This event concluded the withdrawal of the Yugoslav army from Slovenian soil, which followed a ten-day war for independence. The conflict began one day after Slovenia officially declared its independence on June 26, 1991. In his remarks, Janša described the morning following the withdrawal, describing how autumn light illuminated the old town center as the country became free and sovereign. He noted that the sound of waves crashing against the shore marked a new era of safety for the nation. Janša attributed the military victory over what he described as one of the strongest armies in Europe to several key factors. He cited a clear political goal supported by national unity expressed in the plebiscite, timely defensive preparations, and well-organized civil protection. He highlighted that Slovenian units were homogeneous and motivated, whereas the opposing forces were largely not. He also mentioned the importance of accurate intelligence regarding the enemy and a humane approach that avoided unnecessary casualties on both sides. The prime minister referred to this outcome as a victory more significant than many battles fought by ancestors in previous centuries. During the first decade of independence, up until 2008, Slovenia transformed from a former socialist federal republic into a state approaching the average level of European development. Janša pointed out that in 1992, gross domestic product per capita, measured by purchasing power parity, stood at 59 percent of the European average. By 2008, this figure had risen to 91 percent. He argued that if this pace of progress had continued, Slovenia would today rank among the five most developed countries in the European Union, with standards comparable to Switzerland. The government stabilized the economy, established market institutions, opened doors to foreign competition, and directed efforts toward demanding Western markets. The prime minister listed several international achievements during this period, including membership in the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, the eurozone, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Mediterranean Union. He observed that citizens sometimes underestimate these accomplishments achieved in the first half of the country's independent existence. However, he warned that a second phase has been characterized by lost opportunities and the correction of major errors. According to Janša, Slovenia has effectively stalled since 2008, remaining at approximately 91 percent of the European economic average. He criticized recent political trends, stating that the country has slid back into systems of privilege, interest-based connections, selective justice, and the abuse of the judiciary for political settlements. He identified a policy of exclusion as a fatal step in this regression. The prime minister urged the public to preserve sovereignty for future generations, declaring that it is a daily duty to ensure children wake up in a free Slovenia. He invoked the words of historical figure Primoz Trubar, emphasizing the importance of standing firm and persisting. Reactions to the disruption varied among officials. The President of the State, who did not attend the ceremony, condemned the behavior of the protesters, labeling it unacceptable hooliganism and a lack of respect for the state. Reports indicated that the protests were likely politically orchestrated. Prime Minister Janša addressed the crowd directly, pointing toward the group of provocateurs while delivering his critique of current political conditions. He maintained that security is the primary condition for stability and subsequent economic prosperity. Historical commentary accompanying the event included criticism from opposition voices regarding the narrative presented by the government. One commentator argued that claims of national division by the current administration are false, asserting that societal division has existed for decades due to past ideological divisions. This perspective referenced historical figures such as Boris Kidric, whose statue remains outside the government palace, and questioned the motivations behind the independence movement. Another view suggested that certain leaders have attempted to claim credit for the independence process despite their prior political alignments. These debates highlight ongoing tensions regarding the interpretation of Slovenia's path to sovereignty and its subsequent development. The celebration serves as a reminder of the specific circumstances that led to the country's survival. Janša stressed that the international environment is significantly more challenging today than it was in 1991. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that the foundation laid by the generation that fought for independence remains vital. The event underscored the complex relationship between historical memory, current political strategy, and national identity in Slovenia. As the sun set on the coastal city, the focus remained on the message that the hard-won freedom requires continuous vigilance and effort to maintain.