Janša in Address: 'Many Have Overtaken Us Due to Policy of Exclusion'

Prime Minister Janez Janša marked Slovenia's Statehood Day by reflecting on the nation's 35-year journey since independence. He lauded the "courage of people who believed in Slovenia" and the decision to become masters of their own destiny. Janša highlighted that Slovenia's statehood was "fought for" rather than gifted, emphasizing that great achievements stem from people united by a desire for freedom, capable of overcoming differences to realize their dreams. He stressed that a nation progresses when it identifies a common goal and prioritizes it above daily disagreements.

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Thirty-five years ago, we became masters of our own destiny. A state was created that was not gifted, but fought for by the courage of people who believed in Slovenia.

Janša acknowledged that while Slovenia faces no immediate threats like tanks or pandemics, significant challenges remain. He stated that after years of "poor decisions," the country faces a demanding task, particularly concerning public finances. He criticized the "squandering" of taxpayer money on "useless or even harmful purposes" and lamented the loss of opportunities. Janša noted a growing sentiment among working people that effort is unrewarded, with favoritism and ideology overshadowing political responsibility. He insisted that these consequences must be confronted to begin solving and rectifying the errors.

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The nation progresses when it knows how to recognize a common goal and is capable of putting it above daily differences.

Looking at the present, Janša urged for a realistic approach to tackle serious challenges, including the state of public finances, high taxes, and issues of public, energy, and food security. He called for cooperation to achieve a constitutional majority for necessary amendments, emphasizing the need for economic and political stability. Specifically, he advocated for a "fiscal anchor" in the constitution and a "second change of the electoral system," alongside decentralization and greater transfer of decision-making power to regional and municipal levels.

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Slovenia, after years of poor decisions, faces a demanding task. Public finances are not in a state that allows us lightness or indifference. Too often, taxpayer money has been squandered for useless or even harmful purposes.

Comparing Slovenia's development, Janša pointed to its economic performance within the EU over the last 20 years. He noted that in the first decade, Slovenia rapidly advanced, reaching 91% of the European average in purchasing power by 2008. However, he stated that due to subsequent events, the country has stagnated or even slightly declined, remaining at or below the 2008 level. This comparison, he argued, reveals that many nations have surpassed Slovenia due to its "policy of exclusion."

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We need cooperation that would enable a constitutional majority for the necessary amendments to the constitution. We need stability. Economic and political.