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Slovenian Sovereignty Day political controversy

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2026-10-25 17:20 UTC → 2026-10-26 14:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.~~ 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.

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