By: Dr Matevž Tomšič
The issue of gun ownership has once again become a topic of public attention. Not just attention, but controversy. The latter was sparked by Žan Mahnič, a Member of Parliament from the Slovenian Democratic Party, who called on citizens on the social media platform X to join shooting clubs so that they could acquire firearms. He also claimed that if his party came to power, it would change the legislation so that the so-called excessive use of a defensive weapon would no longer be a criminal offense. This statement came in the context of repeated attacks by Roma people who had moved from the Dolenjska region to the outskirts of the Slovenian capital. In Kleče, a group of members from the notorious Strojan family brutally assaulted an elderly citizen after he caught them stealing crops from his field.
This call predictably provoked a fierce reaction from the ruling political establishment. Sharp condemnations and accusations of “spreading fear,” “fanning hatred,” “irresponsible right-wing populism,” and other labels from the leftist arsenal used to discredit political opponents began pouring in. The President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, also joined the condemnations with a lengthy moralising statement. In doing so – certainly not for the first time – she demonstrated a great deal of hypocrisy. She has never condemned violence committed by Roma individuals, who even physically attacked the mayor of Ribnica, Samo Pogorelc. What is especially important is that she did not condemn the government or the ruling coalition, which, through their ignorant attitude, bear responsibility for this violence. The ruling politicians have done virtually nothing concrete to address the Roma issue, particularly in terms of ensuring the safety of people in areas where certain members of this community terrorise local residents. It has turned out that the Roma are not a disadvantaged minority but actually enjoy certain privileges because they are not sanctioned for breaking laws (unlike other citizens).
The uproar related to Mahnič’s call is baseless. Suggesting that people legally acquire firearms is entirely legitimate. The same applies to proposed legislative changes concerning the right to self-defence. One can debate whether a more armed population contributes to greater safety or not. There are arguments on both sides. Reducing violence and crime in society also requires meeting other conditions. The regulation of firearm access varies between countries. While it is relatively easy to obtain firearms in the United States, most European countries have much more restrictive laws. However, it cannot be said that liberalising this area contradicts democratic standards or even the Slovenian constitution (as some ruling party representatives have implied).
Certainly, the right to self-defence is a fundamental human right. An individual has the right to protect themselves and their loved ones by all means available – including firearms if necessary. It is entirely normal for them to use these means against those who threaten their life and health and that of their family, even if this results, in extreme cases, in injury or death to the attacker. Therefore, it is absurd for someone to be punished for injuring a burglar who broke into their home (yes, such cases do actually happen). The good of the defender must be placed before the good of the aggressor.
The ruling politicians are very hypocritical when it comes to attitudes toward firearms. They “turn a blind eye” to violent members of “marginalised” groups, in line with their woke ideology that allows these groups to play the victim role indefinitely. On the other hand, they accuse those who want to defend themselves of intolerance. But peace slogans will not solve the problems. When people in affected areas have had enough, they will take matters into their own hands.
