By: G. B.
Former president Borut Pahor, in Sunday’s episode of Intervju on TV Slovenia, commented on the words of the President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, who had referred to the events in Gaza as genocide in the European Parliament. Pahor stated that he does not see the events in Gaza as genocide. Today, the coordinator of the Levica party, Asta Vrečko, called his statement unacceptable.
As Borut Pahor stated, the president (Nataša Pirc Musar) gave a good speech in the European Parliament, and he agreed with most of what she said, particularly her appeal to MEPs that the EU needs to deepen and strengthen its external role. “But she said something that was not in her prepared speech, and if she felt compelled to say it, she did. I, however, would not have. I would not characterise what is happening in Gaza as genocide, and I would like to explain why,” Pahor said. He remarked that “we are all appalled by the disproportionate measures carried out by the Israeli government in its efforts to deal with Hamas.”
However, in his view, people forget that “Hamas is still holding innocent Israeli hostages, and despite attempts to reach a resolution through negotiations mediated by the U.S. and Qatar, they are still not willing to release the innocent victims.” For that, the Palestinian people in Gaza are paying a terrible and disproportionate price, he added. “Absolutely, I condemn such actions. As you know, a judicial investigation is underway… examining whether war crimes have occurred. Likely. Could it even be crimes against humanity? Perhaps. But the president went very far by calling it genocide – I personally would not go that far,” Pahor concluded.
The statement by the former president was sharply criticised today by Minister of Culture and coordinator of the Levica party, Asta Vrečko, who called it unacceptable. In a public statement, she wrote that at a time when the world is witnessing the mass destruction of the Palestinian population, it is the duty of all responsible individuals – especially former statesmen – to speak out clearly, not remain silent or relativise. “Mr. Pahor, what is happening in Gaza is genocide. Sadly, that is no longer in question. No amount of wordplay or rhetorical balancing can justify the gravest of crimes. Babies, children, women, entire families and generations are dying. A nation is vanishing. Fortunately, Slovenia is on the right side of history. History will also judge your words,” she stated.
Criticism also came from the Gibanje Svoboda party, notably from parliamentary group leader Nataša Avšič Bogovič and Speaker of the National Assembly Urška Klakočar Zupančič. Avšič Bogovič responded to a journalist’s question by saying: “Those are his words. I do not agree with them. I absolutely agree, however, with what the president (Pirc Musar) said in the European Parliament.” On Facebook, Klakočar Zupančič wrote: “Mr. Borut Pahor, you are writing a history without a backbone. I am sure you admire yourself when you look in the mirror. Unfortunately, history will not judge us by our looks. Beauty is irrelevant and fleeting. You too will come to realise this.”
Strong reactions also came from the Social Democrats (SD) – the party Pahor led for 15 years and whose membership he suspended after being elected president in 2012. On social media, the former president was criticised by key SD figures including parliamentary group leader Jani Prednik, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Meira Hot, and SD Vice-President Luka Goršek.