What to say? – marking the 25th Anniversary of Slovenian Independence

In: Prispevki za novejšo zgodovino: Contributions to the contemporary history = Contributions à l'histoire contemporaine = Beiträge zur Zeitgeschichte, Band 56, Heft 3, S. 159-171

Abstract

In his paper, the author points out the negative aspects of the social, political and economic development in the Republic of Slovenia, following its independence. What stands out is the uncontrolled privatisation of former public and state property, which was rooted in dishonest intentions, profiteering and greed, and resulted in a small part of the population becoming very rich. The legal system and the politics are largely to blame for the situation, as they failed to prepare suitable laws that would prevent it from happening. Trust, the very foundation of democracy, is not something that would currently be associated with the politicians. The society has witnessed the rise of narcissistic characters who only care for their own well-being and who trample over others, while the companies' executives are doing their best to eradicate any social concern. Society is being shaken by severe ideological conflicts, which prevent a national consensus on the ethical foundation of the Slovenian state and the purpose of its existence. Those who fully embraced the national sentiment and expected a historic rise of Slovenianism when Slovenia became independent were disappointed by such development of events. In recent years, historiography and psychiatry have been examining the issue in a number of publications, including monographs.