Free constitution, the most expensive diesel and Natasha's 10%

On the eve of the new school year, nearly 20,000 first-year students in Slovenia will receive a symbolic gift from the Ministry of Education, copies of the Slovenian Constitution. The gesture, part of a broader initiative co-ordinated with the Ministry of Defense, aims to instill values of freedom, responsibility, and community among young learners. On the first day of classes, students will also be handed the national flag, marking their entry into the independent state of Slovenia. While the government frames this as a meaningful step toward civic education, critics argue that giving constitutional texts to children who have yet to learn how to read may be misguided. The decision has sparked debate among educators and public figures. Some, including local mayor Darja Vudler Berlak, defend the move as a symbolic act akin to giving a tree sapling to a newborn child. She compares the constitution to a “lipa” (ash tree) given at birth, which grows alongside the child and gains meaning over time. “Even though a baby doesn’t understand what they’re receiving, the value of the gift becomes clear as they grow,” she explained. The ministry insists the gesture is not meant to expect immediate comprehension but rather to plant a seed of awareness about the principles upon which the country is built. Meanwhile, other concerns have emerged regarding the practicality of the initiative. Educators such as Sašo Božič, president of the Association of School Principals and Deputy Principals of Slovenia, acknowledge the symbolic nature of the gift but question whether it is appropriate to give constitutional documents to children who lack basic literacy skills. He highlighted the pressing issue of teacher shortages and the challenges schools face in providing quality education. “We are struggling to find teachers who can teach children to read, let alone help them interpret a constitution,” he noted. The distribution of flags and copies of the constitution was planned in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, which ordered approximately 23,500 flags from the agency Zajček. The cost for these items, excluding VAT, came to just under €17,000. In addition to the flags, the ministry plans to distribute around 45,000 printed versions of the constitution in Slovenian, along with thousands in Italian and Hungarian to accommodate minority communities. The printing was handled by the publisher Litteralis. The initiative has been framed as a way to reinforce national identity and democratic values among the younger generation. Minister Borut Rončević, who spoke at the launch of the program, emphasized that the goal is not to burden students with reading the entire document immediately but to provide a tangible symbol of belonging. “This is a message that knowledge, freedom, responsibility, and community are the foundations of our future,” he stated. He also recalled his own first day of school, which he described as one of the most pivotal moments in his life, underscoring the importance of early exposure to civic ideals. Despite the government’s efforts to frame the initiative positively, some educators remain skeptical. They suggest that the constitution could be introduced in a more accessible format, such as illustrated books or simplified language, to better engage young readers. Others point out that while the gesture is well-intentioned, it does little to address deeper systemic issues within the education system, such as teacher shortages and resource allocation. In parallel developments, political intrigue continues to swirl around the ongoing investigations into potential corruption involving former officials. A recent report from the American Institute Robert Lansing suggested that certain individuals linked to high-profile figures may have engaged in activities that could be classified as anti-state behavior, based on past connections and access to key political figures. Meanwhile, the government itself faces scrutiny over its handling of fuel prices, with opposition parties blaming previous administrations for artificially inflating costs despite current conditions suggesting otherwise. As the nation prepares for another round of elections and policy debates, the symbolic gestures made by the government serve as both a reflection of public sentiment and a platform for ideological messaging. Whether these actions will translate into lasting change remains to be seen, but for now, the focus remains on the first day of school and the hopes placed in the next generation.