PHOTO: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000

 

 

Fellow Citizens of Slovenia,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

In the year that is coming to an end, Slovenia made a great step forward and strengthened its position in the family of developed European nations. Slovenia’s economy achieved one of its highest growth rates to-date, the lowest unemployment rate in the history of the State, and a tamed inflation. Slovenia is the first of the new EU Member States to be entirely ready for the adoption of the common European currency.

 

We have sound performance results and a good outlook for the future. The results of the sound and successful economy will be felt by each of us, as there will be new employment opportunities, higher salaries, pensions, scholarships, and, for those in distress, higher social assistance benefits.  It is for this reason that economic development will remain a top priority for us also in the coming year.

 

With a view to ensuring that our country will continue to be successful, we shall have to trust each other more than we have so far. Conflicts-generating reminiscence of the traumas from the past and generation of new disputes all the time will not bring us anywhere.

 

No doubt, we all desire to live in a society where harmony, mutual understanding and trust reign. We are all called upon to build an environment in which the rights of each individual are protected. A society in which we can communicate with each other. An area of prosperity where everybody may feel respected and safe.

 

I wish you a joyful  celebration and good health, peace and all the best in the New Year.