By: Dr Metod Berlec
At the Freedom Movement congress in Koper, the party and government leader Robert Golob made a completely uncritical and egocentric claim that they had “fulfilled the dream of a free Slovenia.”
His speech was full of self-praise, self-sufficiency, and rhetorical flourishes meant to obscure the fact that under his government, Slovenia is drifting away from fundamental democratic values and sinking on various competitiveness rankings. While he proclaims that his party is “different” and learns from its mistakes, something entirely different is happening in parallel: the Prime Minister is suing political opponents who dare to use the same expressions he himself shamelessly hurled at the previous Janša government years ago.
Let’s recall: before the 2022 elections, Golob publicly stated that the then-government was pursuing a “fascist policy.” The words were sharp, provocative, and unrestrained. Today, the same man is filing lawsuits against those who label him a fascist or compare him to the fascist dictator Mussolini. Among the targets are opposition MPs, entrepreneurs, and public commentators. Double standards? Undoubtedly. Hypocrisy? Absolutely.
Golob behaves like an egomaniac who cannot tolerate criticism. His sensitivity to political satire and freedom of speech stands in stark contrast to his own rhetoric. When he insults and defames, it is called “honesty.” When others criticise him, it is labelled “hate speech.” Something “completely reprehensible.” This logic is typical of autocratic leaders who view power as personal property, not as service to the state. It is increasingly clear that Golob is not building a party, but, with the help of a notorious “influencer” he recently married, a cult of personality. His appearances are full of self-glorification, his associates applaud without hesitation. Internal criticism within the party does not exist, as any doubt about the leader’s “vision” is swiftly silenced. Critics are cast aside without remorse. The Freedom Movement is becoming the antithesis of the name it bears.
Slovenia deserves better than this. Freedom is not the inability to criticise a leader. Freedom is not suing political opponents for expressing critical opinions. Freedom is not concentrating power in the hands of one man who sees himself as infallible. True freedom means pluralism, dialogue, respect for diversity, and above all, the ability of those in power to withstand criticism. His lawsuits are an attack on freedom of speech, not a defence of dignity. And his rhetoric about a “free Slovenia” is merely a façade for a power-hungry logic that cannot tolerate difference. It is a mask for a post-communist “new class” that thinks and behaves in a thoroughly totalitarian manner. Even in the case of the so-called Christmas bonus. Without the consent of the Economic and Social Council. Without any serious dialogue. Transparently timed for pre-election purposes, regardless of potential consequences.
