By: Dr Andreja Valič Zver
The Platform of European Memory and Conscience (PEMC), which unites nearly 70 institutions worldwide, adopted a resolution at its annual conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 16th, 2024, urging the Slovenian government to reinstate the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communism. The resolution, proposed by the Jože Pučnik Institute and supported by the other two Slovenian members of the Platform (Nova Slovenska Zaveza and the Study Centre for National Reconciliation), was passed unanimously.
As we know, last year, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, led by Robert Golob, abolished the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communism in Slovenia. This disgraceful and insensitive decision was made unilaterally, without any public debate or consideration, on the eve of the holiday, which Slovenians were supposed to commemorate for the second time last year. Such decisions, aiming to erase collective memory and representing a form of revanchism, are dangerous, disrespectful, and lack any sensitivity to the nation’s pain.
The abolition of the national day of remembrance for the victims of communist violence met with various responses, but it marked one of the most reprehensible and shameful decisions by the Golob government. Erasing historical memory, not recognising the victims of communist violence, and denying the wartime and post-war atrocities in our society, reconciliation cannot occur. It is extremely important to maintain historical memory of all victims of totalitarian regimes, regardless of their political background, as this is crucial for building and preserving democratic values in modern society.
During the communist regime, hundreds of thousands of Slovenian residents were affected by various forms of communist violence. Many who resisted the communist system and ideological repression in any form were forgotten.
Denying the right to remember and honour all these victims, who have not yet been officially buried, is an unacceptable act and represents a departure from all of Europe’s efforts to right the wrongs committed during and after World War II. The European Union has clearly condemned the undemocratic systems of the past (fascism, national socialism, communism) in official documents and emphasised the importance of remembering the victims and taking action to correct injustices.
Already last year, following the scandalous abolition of the day of remembrance for those unlawfully murdered, imprisoned, dispossessed, and humiliated by the communist regime, a special statement was adopted by the Platform. However, the Golob government continues to disregard international calls to reinstate the day of remembrance for the victims of communism. Instead of addressing Slovenian traumas, which remain vivid nearly 80 years after the end of World War II, it focuses on Palestine and its phantom recognition. It is imperative to clearly state to Golob and his Svoboda party that Slovenia cannot have a successful and democratic future as long as he and his ilk prohibit remembrance of the victims, who, according to the 2009 European Parliament resolution, are primarily VICTIMS. All victims deserve remembrance, truth, and justice!
Here is the statement from the Platform of European Memory and Conscience:
Platform of European Memory and Conscience
Resolution of the Council of Members
Call to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to Reinstate the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communism
The Platform of European Memory and Conscience calls on the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to ratify the resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism and to reinstate the day of remembrance for the victims of communism, thereby reversing the decision to abolish the national day of remembrance for the victims of communist crimes on May 16th, 2023.
The Platform also welcomes the fact that, despite the abolition of the day of remembrance for the victims of communist violence by the government, the Slovenian public continues to acknowledge the importance of uncovering historical truth and commemorating even the deeply painful and traumatic experiences of the Slovenian nation through appropriate events and memorial ceremonies. The collective memory of such events must remain alive to prevent the recurrence of the most tragic events in Slovenian and European history.
The Platform of European Memory and Conscience extends its greetings to all gathered to honour the victims of the communist regime and conveys the support of all its members and the democratic public in Europe. With faith in a bright future, we believe that truth, justice, compassion, and reconciliation will prevail for the future of the Slovenian nation.
Adopted in Vilnius, May 16th, 2024