# Slovenian Sovereignty Day political controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovenian-sovereignty-day-political-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-25T16:24:30.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 3. Political tensions have escalated in Slovenia regarding the state celebration of Sovereignty Day in Koper, marking the 35th anniversary of the departure of the last Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) troops in October 1991. The controversy centers on the government’s decision to allow Prime Minister Janez Janša to serve as the sole orator, a move that led President Nataša Pirc Musar to boycott the event. She emphasized that state holidays should honor the nation rather than individual political representatives. Disputes also arose over the exclusion of certain flag bearers from the Association of Fighters for the Values of the National Liberation Army (NOB), as the government prohibited flags bearing the five-pointed star due to its association with the JNA. Further friction exists regarding the official naming of the event; President Musar and opposition parties criticized the government for labeling the occasion the ‘35th anniversary of Slovenia's liberation,’ arguing that ‘independence’ (osamosvojitev) is the historically accurate term for the 1991 events. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Janša delivered a keynote address characterizing the independence process as a victory for national identity. His speech was met with loud whistling and protest shouts from a nearby crowd of approximately 40 to 50 protesters. Following the disruption, which lasted approximately twelve minutes, police intervened to restore order under the Law on Public Gatherings. Authorities have since identified three individuals for violating the law, with two receiving payment orders for violating public order and peace regulations. One protester, Ljuba Miljuševič, reported receiving a fine of 1,750 euros. ## Claims - President Nataša Pirc Musar will not attend the state sovereignty celebration. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The celebration marks the 35th anniversary of the departure of the last JLA soldier from Slovenia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Prime Minister Janez Janša will be the keynote speaker at the event. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Slovenia is marking the 35th anniversary of the departure of the last Yugoslav People's Army soldiers from its territory. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The final withdrawal of the Yugoslav army concluded on October 25, 1991. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Protests occurred during Prime Minister Janez Janša's speech in Koper. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The government has excluded flag bearers from the NOB associations from the celebration. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The central celebration will take place in Koper. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Pirc Musar claims the government is unilaterally renaming the state holiday. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The disruption lasted approximately 12 minutes, specifically between 11:17 and 11:29. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The protest group grew from 20 people to between 40 and 50 people. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Police identified three individuals for violating the Law on Public Gatherings. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Slovenia Sovereignty Day protests in Koper disrupt state ceremony Protests and whistling disrupted Prime Minister Janez Janša's speech during Slovenia's Sovereignty Day ceremony in Koper, leading to police intervention and fines for protesters. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koper-police-identify-three-protesters-during-sovereignty-day-ceremony ### 2026-10-23: Slovenia marks 35th Sovereignty Day amid political tension Slovenia celebrated Sovereignty Day in Koper, marking 35 years since the JNA departure. The event saw protests during PM Janez Janša's speech and the absence of President Nataša Pirc Musar due to political ruse 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenian-president-pirc-musar-to-boycott-state-sovereignty-celebration ### 2026-10-21: Slovenia sovereignty day celebrations spark political controversy Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar will attend the Sovereignty Day celebrations in Koper only as a guest, following disputes over speaker selection, holiday naming, and the exclusion of NOB flag bearers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenia-sovereignty-day-celebrations-spark-political-controversy --- Cite as: Slovenian Sovereignty Day political controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovenian-sovereignty-day-political-controversy