By: Vančo K. Tegov
At the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence in Poljče, a ceremonial event was held last night by the VSO association to mark the 34th anniversary of the historic session of the DEMOS parliamentary group.
On this exact date, November 9th, 1990, parliamentary unification occurred, enabling the call for a referendum on Slovenia’s independence. Thank the God and Dr Jože Pučnik, who let “slip” a word or two about it that day. This unique and unrepeatable push led to the rightful decision to call for, and later hold, a plebiscite on Slovenia’s independence and sovereignty. All subsequent actions established our country, Slovenia, as an irrevocably independent and historically aligned nation, fully recognised as a sovereign member of the international community. This was, and is, in line with the aspirations of everyone who lived on what is now Slovenian soil over the centuries.
The packed hall at the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (MWCOE) in Poljče near Begunje, Gorenjska, testifies to this sentiment.
We gather here in Poljče every year, and we consider it a privilege to be in the Municipality of Radovljica, home to many brave people during Slovenia’s independence efforts. We extend our gratitude to all from Radovljica, including Deputy Mayor Miran Rems, who welcomed participants at the celebration of the 34th anniversary of this pivotal event.
The importance of reinforcing awareness and defending the achievements of Slovenia’s independence for future generations was emphasised by Tim Rauter, representative of the VSO youth section Triglav and SDM. In his address, he highlighted that the so-called “Generation Z” – those born after 2000 – are committed to upholding the values of Slovenian independence and honouring the courage of the first DEMOS government, which led Slovenia toward freedom and sovereignty. He assured that this generation would do so with both enthusiasm and dedication. And we believe in them.
Mojca Škrinjar, Vice President of the VSO Association, spoke a few words about Slovenia’s path to independence – a path that was at times thorny, but ultimately preserved the country we dreamed of and sacrificed so much for, including the highest sacrifice, life itself.
The path forged by DEMOS members was, as she described it, not only a responsible but also a thorny journey. Despite what has been achieved, it is concerning that, according to some recent surveys, nearly the same percentage of people today regret leaving the former country and view it as a mistake. It is also troubling that the overwhelming majority of Slovenians and Slovenian citizens who voted for independence seem to have disappeared from the public discourse. She attributes this shift largely to an education system that has been hijacked and a judiciary that has been misused.
Yet, we continue to believe in an independent Slovenia – a prosperous, democratic Slovenia filled with kind people. We also believe in a Slovenia where the spirit of “Martin Krpan” lives on, a nation ready to rise up and confront any threat that endangers us. Our tools include our everyday work, the proclamation of freedom of speech, our pride in Slovenia’s remarkable path to independence, and gatherings like this one.
The future does not belong to globalists – the future belongs to patriots!
The keynote speaker was Mag. Branko Grims, a member of DEMOS and a participant in the historical gathering, meetings, and decision-making that took place here.
He spoke about the significance of the events held at this site, particularly the decision to hold and prepare for the independence referendum. Throughout these proceedings, everyone understood the immense risk involved and recognised the constant threat of war looming over those making these critical choices. This threat persisted not only during the Ten-Day War, as is often mistakenly believed, but continuously from the time of the “ordered” and treacherous disarmament of the Territorial Defence (TO) by Milan Kučan. Honor is due to every individual, mayor, and TO commander who resisted this order and refused to hand over weapons to the occupying Yugoslav People’s Army. Thanks to God, the decision was ultimately that of the people. Such legitimacy is the only genuine validation.
Despite the 34 years since that decision, there are still conditions today that could jeopardise the status we have. This threat is further compounded by the drastically changed global landscape and the influx of ideas and ideologies of a newly redefined leftism on a global scale. This is no less a dangerous threat than the domestic left-wing forces. It is crucial to emphasise the recent success of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential elections, as it will fundamentally address and limit the trends of leftism, including those related to migration over the past few years. A central focus of Trump’s presidency will be the restriction of migration and the process of remigration – essentially, the return of migrants to where they came from. This is an issue all European countries, including Slovenia, must face if they want to survive as states and communities in the form and order we have known so far. Therefore, decisive and resolute actions are needed – very soon, or now – to catch the train of change that is essential. Before that, however, elections and a victory for the option that carried out the independence are needed. For all this, there is readiness and potential available to us.
God bless Slovenia!