Janša highlights demographic crisis at SDS camp; political rivals attend WWI memorial

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša used his party's summer camp to address what he called the nation's "key challenge": its future demographic outlook. Speaking at the ruling SDS party's event in Lepena, Janša cited statistics from the past year, noting that 46 children were born while 58 residents died. He also pointed to a net emigration of 24 people, with 85 moving to Slovenia and 61 leaving.

Janša specifically warned about the departure of young, educated, and capable individuals, whose skills and creativity are then utilized in other countries. He stated that while their return with new experiences is welcome, their permanent absence represents a "great loss" for the Slovenian nation and homeland. "This is our key challenge. A challenge that transcends one election, one government's term, and political divides. We can summarize it in the question, what will happen in the future with our homeland?" he remarked, asserting that the SDS does not shy away from questions of Slovenian identity, national belonging, and the country's future.

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This is our key challenge. A challenge that transcends one election, one government's term, and political divides. We can summarize it in the question, what will happen in the future with our homeland?

Meanwhile, a separate traditional commemoration took place just 33 kilometers away at the Russian Chapel under Vršič Pass. This ceremony honored the memory of Russian prisoners of war who died during WWI while building the road over the pass. The event, organized by the Slovenia-Russia Society, marked the 110th anniversary of the chapel's construction and the 30th anniversary of the society's founding. Over 420 guests attended, including Slovenia's first president, Milan Kučan, and Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković, traditional political opponents of Janša. The society's president, Saša Ivan Geržina, described the chapel as a universal symbol of humanity, compassion, and responsibility for peace, urging attendees to momentarily dispel the numbness and helplessness felt in recent years as humanity moves away from principles of coexistence and cooperation.

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The Russian Chapel is not only a monument to the past but a universal symbol of humanity, compassion, and responsibility for peace.