Slovenia celebrates Independence and Unity Day
Ljubljana, 26 December - Slovenia is observing Independence and Unity Day today in honour of the 1990 referendum in which Slovenians voted overwhelmingly to leave Yugoslavia. Nearly 95% of those who cast their votes voted in favour of independence.
Ljubljana
Slovenian flag.
Photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA
The referendum was held on 23 December, eight months after the first multi-party general election in Slovenia resulted in a pro-independence government which followed through on its pledge to leave an undemocratic Yugoslavia.
The results were declared three days later, on 26 December, an overture to a milestone year that included the declaration of independence in June 1991 and a ten-day war immediately thereafter.
President Nataša Pirc Musar described the independence efforts today as proof that unity makes impossible things possible, and that power lies with "people who believe in their goal and are willing to fight for their dreams."
She urged the people to celebrate independence knowing that the nation's power lies not only in decisions made in the past but also in unity and decisions in the present.
"We need cooperation, respect and mutual help to further our nation, to secure a decent living for everyone, and for a friendly future of our children," she said.
Prime Minister Robert Golob used the occasion to provide an overview of Slovenia's achievements in 2024, from higher wages to lower inflation, stable economic growth and sporting achievements.
"Because we are equipped with justice, knowledge, solidarity and reason, we will almost certainly continue to win in 2025," he said in a written statement.
His wish for next year is that Slovenia become "even more of a society in which we will all e winners of the heart - without exceptions, ostracising, hate and prejudice."