Ladies and Gentlemen,
Slovenes and all the other citizens of the Republic of Slovenia agree that the independent Slovenian state is our greatest historic achievement. It was not given to us – it rose from our courage, the correct and timely decisions, our blood, sweat, suffering and sacrifices. However, if we were to compare ourselves with our former compatriots, things would be much worse had we not realised the goals we approved at the referendum in 1990.
Since Slovenia gained independence, it has realised all its foreign policy goals. Our language, which is the foundation of our culture, has become an internationally recognised language and now stands on an equal footing with all the other languages in the EU. Our Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008 testifies to our success.
We must make the most of both our success in the foreign policy arena and the highest economic growth in the last seventeen years, so that every single Slovenian citizen may benefit from them. Human life is too short and too valuable to be, as it once was, subject to the constant sacrifice in the name of a bright future when everyone is entitled to receive as much as their needs be. The independent Slovenia started out as a social state, and not as a place where a handful of individuals can amass unprecedented fortunes. Efficient market economy and business environment do not entail poor citizens and huge economic differences – their success is measured in terms of general welfare.
We voted for independence so that after centuries we could finally get our own homeland where we can live free and decent lives.
I congratulate you on our common holiday – the day when we unanimously decided to live in an independent state. I extend my congratulations all the more to all the veterans of the War for Slovenia, members of the Sever Police Association, and all members of the Slovenian Armed and Police forces doing their best to secure peace and stability in international missions.
Janez Janša
Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
