When Slovenian politicians socialize with the people under the century-old linden tree

Presidents of the country and the government present this year

President Borut Pahor would like to see a get-together of all people at a people’s event. An event that is not organized by the country, visited by the people involved in politics from all places around the country, with left-wing, right-wing and neutral views, to show that power lies in the community, and to socialize with the people, like the meet-up under Najevska lipa.

"This may be a good plan for the future," said Slovenian President Borut Pahor at the meeting of statespeople under the "Najevska lipa" linden tree, an annual event since 1991 but the first visited by both presidents, of the country and the government.

This year the Koroška-based event said goodbye to the name of the Statespeople’s Meeting under Najevska lipa. The adjective will be dropped from the name in the future, in an attempt to get closer to the people. "The purpose of these get-togethers is socializing between the people and their state representatives," explained Romana Lesjak, the mayoress of Črna na Koroškem, in relation to the withdrawal of "the Statespeople’s" from the name of the event.

Prime Minister Miro Cerar supports the decision. "But the responsibility of the politicians remains – we still need to come here to pay respect to the people, and if we’re asked, we’ll join them and have a chat," said the Slovenian PM. In his ceremonious speech at the event, Cerar pointed out the importance of dialogue and cooperation with one another: "Only together can we built a successful society, one that we’ll proudly to leave to the next generations."

Referring to the venerable age of Najevska lipa, which is presumably over 700 years old, Cerar stressed the importance of respect for what happened in the past. "When we talk about connecting, we need to be aware how important it is to connect tradition and history with the present time and the future. In this sense, it is very important for the Slovenian people to show greater respect to the positive achievements we’ve been capable to create in our past," argued the PM.

"Let’s learn something from our past mistakes, so that we won’t be repeating them again. The crisis has warned us about them, but it also pointed out fear and courage. We need to face this fear, so that we can overcome it. Let’s ask ourselves how we can help one another, let’s cooperate and we’ll mature as a nation. We can do this," added Cerar.

G. C., MMC; translated by K. Z.