For the honor of the national holiday Slovenian Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek also congratulated the Slovenian citizens. In an official letter, she wrote that she wants a successful continuation of the path, which the Slovenian people confirmed in the plebiscite 23 years ago.

"The sovereignty of our country has been an important issue also this year. Slovenia was facing the challenge, if it will be able to resolve its problems alone, or if the path of resolving will be dictated and determined by other capitals. Again, like twenty-three years ago, we decided for our own path and in that way confirmed the desire for independence and sovereignty," Bratušek wrote. Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek concluded in her letter: "Today we cannot say that we are at the finish, but I can say that we are back on track. Cooperation and unity will certainly lead us to a common goal, which is a sovereign, unified, and just society."

The referendum itself was carried on the 23rd of December, with a high turnout of around 93 percent. 95 percent of those who turned out voted for independence, which was 88% off all eligible voters.

On the basis of the results the Basic Constitutional Charter on the Sovereignty and Independence of the Republic of Slovenia was then passed on the 25th of June 1991. Slovenia’s main projects then were entering the NATO alliance, becomimg part of the European Union and later also taking over the Euro currency. Today, 23 years after, Slovenia’s main goal has to do with exiting the financial crisis.

This year the national ceremony marking Independence Day was already held on Friday.

K. J., A. J. (RSi)