Government of the Republic of Slovenia

12/23/2025 | Press release | Archived content

Speech by Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob at the State Celebration on Independence and Unity Day

Prime Minister Robert Golob was this evening the keynote speaker at the state celebration marking Independence and Unity Day. Prime Minister's speech on this occasion was not a classic political address. Instead, it was a personal and sincere reflection on who we have become as a nation and as a community over 35 years of independence, and on where we wish to go.
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Author Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo

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He highlighted the values that unite us and keep us resilient even in the most challenging times - cooperation, solidarity and freedom. These are values that do not divide us, but bring us together.

In this festive moment, the Prime Minister encourages us to rediscover the preciousness of life - not only as individuals, but also as part of a community that breathes as one. He calls on us not to forget what it means to care for the common good, how interconnected we are despite our differences, and that responsibility towards future generations is not a burden, but an honour.

He also referred to the everyday achievements of people who have quietly contributed to shaping Slovenia - from scientists and athletes to farmers, educators, nurses and doctors.

The central message is clear: only together can we achieve anything. This is not merely a guiding principle, but a value which, as the Prime Minister stressed, must be safeguarded and nurtured for future generations.

Change begins with each and every one of us. "Those who do not like the light extinguish it themselves; and then have no right to curse the night," wrote the visionary Ivan Cankar in The White Chrysanthemum. Next year, we will mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, and his words still offer valuable lessons today.

The full text of the Prime Minister's speech is attached. The spoken version shall prevail.


Speech by Prime Minister

Government of the Republic of Slovenia published this content on December 23, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 25, 2025 at 10:23 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]