On Changes

In these challenging times, people seem to laugh less, and good jokes are scarce, a stark contrast to the era of satirical publications like 'Pavliha.' The author finds that while changes in government and parliamentary compositions bring a semblance of amusement, the smile is often tinged with bitterness.

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As soon as a party takes the helm, it swiftly dismisses and replaces supporters of other parties, installing its own. And it must hurry with this business while it is still in power. There is simply no time left for other work.

Recalling the writings of Frano Milčinski from the 1930s, the author draws parallels between past and present political and social issues. Milčinski's observations on government transitions, where incoming parties swiftly replace appointees from opposing factions, resonate with current political dynamics. His commentary highlights the urgency with which such changes are often implemented, leaving little time for other governance tasks.

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You know, corruption is not just like that. Corruption is deeply rooted in our country; it is based in the history of the nation and belongs to its venerable traditions, so to speak, to its culture. And culture should be sacred. In everyday life, corruption is called lies and injustice, and education begins with them, and in political life, it is called corruption, and they cannot govern without it, and the more cunning someone is, the more they respect him and say: 'He knows how to do it!' and corruption is held in high esteem by people.

Furthermore, Milčinski's sharp critiques of corruption, describing it as deeply ingrained in the nation's history and traditions, remain strikingly relevant. His writings also touch upon the use of 'unparliamentary' language, noting the existence of official lists defining inappropriate terms. The author finds solace and a sense of perspective in these historical writings, suggesting that while much has changed, the fundamental challenges persist.

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But let no one despair. For a dawn of a better future is appearing on the horizon. A book has been published, its name is 'Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly,' and it has an appendix with a list of those expressions that have been declared unparliamentary from the presidential podium. 'Bitanga' should not be said to anyone, nor that 'he's missing a board,' nor that someone is 'the laziest member of parliament.' All three are on the list. There is no need for doubt. When there are enough expressions not on the list, they are parliamentary until further notice.