Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, gave an opening speech at the symposium dedicated to the memory of Dr Jože Pučnik, entitled Culture and Politics.

(Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)

Mr Janša stressed the significance of Dr Jože Pučnik's role for Slovenia's independence. "It is possible that without his persistence and courage the Slovenian state would not exist today, it would be different, or we would have paid a much higher price for it," he said, adding that although Dr Pučnik has not lived to see all the changes we have experienced, his presence is still felt among Slovenes. "And this is not only because of the institute and other things bearing his name, and the quotations we will continue to use in our speeches. His presence has marked all facets of our lives."

Mr Janša recalled the words of Dr Pučnik, who said that persistence was the key – since even though you might be a minority, persisting in what you believe is enough to change things. "Unfortunately, there were several rather long periods in his life when this persistence, or one could say, his obstinacy to uphold certain moral standards, was the only satisfaction he had," said the PM.

He also said that Dr Pučnik did not benefit much from his moral virtues because even at the time when the Slovenes were granted a historic gift of independence and democratisation, his role was not acknowledged. "I can remember a number of books and other publications that were published after the independence. Almost as if there were some kind of an agreement, you could hardly find in them a picture of Dr Jože Pučnik – despite the fact that besides being a moral figure who significantly contributed to this historic project, he was the formal chair of the political coalition that brought independence to Slovenia," said Mr Janša, adding that this had been extremely unjust.

According to the PM, Dr Pučnik had never placed his personal benefit before the ideals for which he had fought. Dr Pučnik's words and his firm belief that the decision reached at the plebiscite would be implemented were a source of inspiration and support; particularly in June 1991, when the decision to become an independent country was to be tested as never before.

In conclusion, the PM commended the Dr Jože Pučnik Institute for organising the symposium, and expressed hope that this newly-established organisation would succeed in fulfilling the debt we owe to Mr Pučnik – and finally recognise his role.