By: Nova24tv.si, C. R.
The Cathedral of Freedom organised a ceremonial presentation of the anthology Consent for a Historic Moment, which brings together 75 contributions from various authors. The editorial board was composed of distinguished experts, including legal scholar, former constitutional judge, and rector of the New University Peter Jambrek; former diplomat Ernest Petrič; historian and publicist Alenka Puhar; politician Janez Janša; former politician and writer Dimitrij Rupel; priest and theologian Ivan Štuhe; former politician and professor Žiga Turk; and director of the Nova Revija publishing house Tomaž Zalaznik, among many others.
The idea for the anthology emerged in autumn 2024 during a series of discussions within a smaller working group of the Cathedral of Freedom, which took place between September and October. Out of these meetings came the proposal to compile a collection of new contributions for the Slovenian Spring programme, intended as a launchpad for a new phase of reflection and action for Slovenia’s future.
Peter Jambrek emphasised: “Consent for a Historic Moment echoes issue 57 of Nova revija, subtitled Contributions for a Slovenian National Programme. Both publications appeared at critical historical junctures. Nova revija 57 heralded the independence and creation of the democratic Slovenian state. Nearly forty years later, this anthology also recognises a turning point.”
He added that the book offers fundamental and relatively radical solutions that are not necessarily aligned with the current political direction of the government.
Democracy, ideas, and a culture of dialogue
One of the authors, Žiga Turk, pointed out the ongoing crisis in quality public debate:
“It seems as though we are a dying breed. Quality books are often being replaced by short videos, which may reach more people but lack substance. Democracy is more than an algorithm of likes. It is a competition of ideas – not in terms of performance, but depth and reasoning. Democracy, when reduced to emotional echoes, becomes vulnerable to cheap populism and moral theatrics that appeal to feelings without responsibility, action, or effort.”
He warned about the dangers of shallow political decisions driven by emotional impulses: “We are a dying breed, yet we still believe in reason. We believe that at its core, democracy is thoughtful, liberating, and dialogical.”
Key themes and challenges facing Slovenia since 1991
The anthology highlights major themes confronting Slovenia today:
- Incomplete transition and the burden of the past: Despite formal democracy, Slovenia remains a divided society that has yet to reconcile with the missteps of its past.
- Weak rule of law and systemic corruption: Institutions like the judiciary, prosecution, and police remain inefficient, largely due to an unfinished transition.
- Crisis of values and societal polarisation: Distrust in political structures and ideological divides hinder cooperation.
- Economic inefficiency and need for reform: The economy remains overly dependent on the state, with bureaucratic burdens and an inefficient healthcare system.
- Demographic winter and social challenges: Low birth rates and an aging population present a serious concern.
Proposed Solutions:
- Complete the transition and pursue national reconciliation based on truth and a shared ethical framework.
- Strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption by introducing a merit-based system.
- Comprehensive reform of the public sector, especially in healthcare and social policy, alongside lower taxes and contributions to encourage entrepreneurship.
- Reform the education system to foster critical thinking.
Among the speakers was Borut Pahor, who remarked that Slovenia is currently experiencing a sense of emptiness: “I believe the time has come for new directions to emerge. I hope the broader public will take a look at the anthology.” He also emphasised that Slovenia lacks sufficient entrepreneurial spirit.
Further speakers included Janez Cigler Kralj, who stressed the demographic issue; Dr Tina Bergant, who spoke about preserving Slovenian identity; and Anže Logar, who noted that the current situation is even more difficult than during the release of Nova revija 57.
Janez Janša highlighted the importance of the anthology’s title: “I noticed the change in subtitle between this anthology and Revija 57. The current subtitle is New Contributions to the Slovenian Spring Programme, not the Slovenian National Programme. This anthology has a more modest ambition, but I believe the title should be clearer. These ideas are not only political; they are part of a national programme. Slovenia will be better once these ideas are realised.”
He concluded with the thought that the Slovenian nation has endured many challenges, and though its extinction has often been predicted, there has always been a group of people ready to resist. “We are at a point of struggle for truth. We won the war for Slovenia. But the cultural war continues. And we must win this war – faithful to the plebiscitary decision of the Slovenian people in 1990.”
Dimitrij Rupel concluded the ceremony by stressing the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations: “This anthology contains legacies for those who are to come. It is essential that we find new insights before new wars arrive, which are not far off.”
The anthology, which is available for €55, also features contributions from two members of the Demokracija editorial team: Editor Dr Metod Berlec, who wrote about demographics and migration, and journalist Gašper Blažič, who addressed national reconciliation from a more testimonial perspective.