NEWS
Message by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Alenka Bratušek, on Slovenian Statehood Day
Dear citizens of Slovenia
Dear fellow Slovenians around the world
Twenty-two years have passed since Slovenia formally became an independent state, and slightly less than a hundred days since I took up the reins of the government. When the new Government took office, the times were exceptionally tense and the role that I undertook was difficult. Due to the empty state coffers, the measures of my Government have been and will continue to be unpleasant, and I am aware that I will not be remembered for the comfort you enjoyed during my term of office. It sounds unpopular when I say that it took a lot of effort, time, energy, knowledge and sacrifices in order to prepare the most urgent steps to prevent the worst from happening. Our proposed reforms were approved by the Parliament, social partners and Brussels, and then the work could start.
I am aware that wage reductions and introduction of taxes are not the measures that would endear me to the people. Trust me that I would be the happiest Prime Minister if the state coffers were full and I could give out instead of taking. Regretfully, I have no other option today. He who reigns in the times of drought cannot boast of lush growth in his garden. Let me also add that I do not want you to judge me and my Government by the words that were said and the promises that were given. When one day we leave the stage, you will either applaud us or hiss us off. You will judge us for our deeds and the work done.
Do you still remember last December? It was severely cold on the national holiday and our internal dissent was such that we could not even celebrate the holiday together. So a single nation held two ceremonies at the same location on that festive day, which surprised even the foreigners living in our country. Today it is different – we, Slovenians, are less in conflict with each other. Since the new Government took office, there have been far less internal disputes and tensions. And I can say that this peace, this value which is worth more than any financial or economic measure and which is also indispensable for the creation of our better common future, fills me with hope.
In such atmosphere, our holiday can also be a day of joy and a personal celebration for each of us. It tells me that we are again able to stand united in order to attain the common good, despite the principled and quite understandable differences, discordances and tensions, and despite the scarcity and sacrifices. And it also tells me that we have taken the right path.
I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all Slovenian citizens and to all Slovenians around the world on our national holiday, Slovenian Statehood Day.