By: Petra Janša
“Look, the police are the most important repressive apparatus in this country. They, of course, have significant powers that affect and even infringe on the rights of citizens. Therefore, there should be absolutely no doubt about the legitimacy – let alone the legality – of the key figures who define the policies and operations of the police as a repressive apparatus. In my opinion, given all these concerns, whether they hold true or not, and the public unrest they have caused, (…) it would be prudent to repeat the selection process.”
Such clear instructions were given just over a week before the start of the interior minister’s interpellation by the last party boss during the show Politično on public television. That there is truly no joking around with party bosses was understood by the now-former head of the police as well as the current prime minister – just as it was understood in the late Yugoslavia.
If you know how to read the last party boss “between the lines,” he tells you everything and more, including what happens if you disobey him: “Look, the police are the most important repressive apparatus in this country. They, of course, have significant powers that affect and even infringe on the rights of citizens.”
Did you understand his words? The prime minister certainly did. And likely, all politicians and quasi-politicians who might dare to step out of line with his predictions regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections will understand them too. You know the saying, “Now you’re here, now you’re gone.” The last party boss also advised the ruling coalition not to use the word reform, suggesting instead that it Is “wiser to speak about gradual changes.” Watch closely how quickly the ruling parties will internalise this mantra – gradual changes, gradual changes…