NEWS
Message by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, on Slovenian Statehood Day
Dear Slovenians, dear citizens!
Statehood Day is a beautiful holiday celebrated by all those who have a love of the homeland in their hearts. Twenty one years ago we proved that, through resolution, courage and vision, we could achieve what everyone else had considered impossible: an independent state for Slovenia. Although the events of the hot summer of 1991 are slowly being covered by the dusts of oblivion, the memory of the bravery and great unity demonstrated in those days when we united under the new symbols of the Slovenian state, and when the Slovenian flag bearing the national coat-of-arms was proudly flown, will never fade away. As the dawn knows that a new day is being born, we also knew then that a new era, a new life without foreign rulers, was coming to life; that a free homeland was being created in front of our very eyes, a homeland in which no one would be pushed from hearth and family. That was an unforgettable feeling! Despite several questions, doubts, fears and difficulties, there was a sense of conviction in the air that we would succeed.
Over these twenty one years, the country has been growing up quickly. With youthful eagerness and impatience, we overcame obstacles and achieved goals which, in times long gone, we had not dared to even dream. However, on our path, we ignored and overlooked certain traps; therefore, our foundations are not as firm as we would want them to be. Further exposing all the systemic shortcomings that had been building up over this time, or had been inherited from the previous undemocratic system, the economic and financial crisis affected us more than other countries.
Over the last three years, our country has been lagging behind badly in terms of adopting adequate economic measures; therefore, we must make up for missed opportunities. Though cuts can indeed be painful, they are nevertheless the only means available to allow us to take steps towards new development and prosperity. Like the birth of a state, a drive for renewed growth also takes time. And the more timely, considerate and prudent these measures, the safer and more prosperous our future will be.
Because these are quite uncertain times and there are, like twenty-one years ago, many questions to be answered, it is perhaps more important than ever before that, on this occasion, we look into ourselves in order to regain, both in ourselves and together as a nation, strength, trust and faith in the future. Axel Munthe once wrote: "The sooner we realise that our fates lie not in the stars but in ourselves, the better." This realisation is very important because despair or passing responsibility for the current situation onto others is not a solution. The energy that has united us before and served us a source of inner strength for creating new foundations is also required now. Therefore, responsibility and sincere endeavours for the prosperity of all citizens must rank high on our list of values, particularly for those of us who decide on the future on behalf of the entire nation. Fancy words are far too often not supported by adequate action.
Therefore, let this year's holiday serve as an inner motivation to reawaken the longing and strength that united us in 1991. In centuries gone by, there has only been one period of time when we Slovenians were successful in gathering and uniting under our national values and symbols to such an extent that we were able to achieve the birth and international recognition of our own country.
Today, Slovenia can be a warm and just home for all of its citizens, as well as a reliable partner within the family of European nations. For this, all the conditions required are available to us. Let us be aware of this invaluable experience, one that has united us in our ultimate success. And let us focus on those events and symbols that have brought us together and not those that have divided us fatefully. In this way, everything will be possible, and the prosperity of our generation and those of the future will again be at the forefront of our joint efforts, and, once more, a fully realistic objective.
Today, on Statehood Day, I extend my sincere congratulations to all Slovenian citizens on their perseverance, courage and determination, which have forged a bond between us during the independence process and which once again can bind us today and tomorrow. Allow me to wish everyone a proud celebration of our common birthday. God save our land, God save all Slovenes, wherever they may live!