Dear Citizens, dear Slovenians at home and abroad,

Statehood Day is a holiday for all of us. It is a commemoration of the Slovenian nation's act of state-building. At the same time, it is our common commitment to respect for democratic values. It should be stressed that statehood is not just a status in international law. In the case of Slovenia, it is also the determined and courageous path that our community took decades ago to establish our own identity as a nation and to forge our own destiny and future.

Nor is statehood a final fact or goal. It is a series of eternal aspirations for a better life, an endless struggle against the forces that seek to deny human rights, and a society’s constant resolve to remain open and inclusive.

The 25th of June is therefore celebrated with pride and patriotic sentiments. We have built a country based on equality, freedom, dignity, solidarity and justice for all its citizens. These are the values that lie at the heart of our society, and only these values allow for the full development of both individual and community.

We must work together to build a better future for all and to participate effectively in the country’s social, economic and political order. After all, we are all citizens of this country, and I believe that each and every one of us, through our work and efforts, is committed to making it a country of which we can be proud.

We are celebrating thirty-two years of democracy and, although we are a relatively young country, we are already actively engaged in international politics and are playing a strong role in solving problems on the international stage. At home and abroad, where we stand for the values of responsibility and tackling challenging issues, we are united by the principle of solidarity. The dialogue of peace and justice leads us to work together both within the European Union and in the United Nations Security Council.

Our main concern is the needs of all citizens, the potential hardships of older people, and the care for younger generations. Equal citizenship also means activating all groups in society and listening to them. When a single person’s position is at risk because of their identity, orientation or gender, the whole community declines. As long as we restrict the freedom of others, we have learned little from history.

Our Constitution teaches us that we are a state governed by the rule of law, a social state that cares about human rights, and a state in which the people have power. It stipulates that in our country every citizen is guaranteed equal human rights and fundamental freedoms irrespective of national origin, race, sex, language, religion, political or other conviction, material standing, birth, education, social status, disability, or any other personal circumstance. On this festive day, it is important to remember these values because hatred and intolerance have no place in our society. The unity and solidarity we showed thirty-two years ago prevails over fear and violence. In all our international triumphs, in the sporting victories of our incredible athletes, we can show both; it is unity and solidarity that brings us together into a single heart that beats for our champions. And that inspiring feeling should be with you every day, reminding you that together we are even stronger and more successful.

I hope that you to will be able to carry these values with you and let them inspire you for your actions. The awareness that the road to independence has brought prosperity and new opportunities for the development of our country is also a source of new challenges. Together with you, I look forward to each and every one of them. For a prosperous future!

Dear citizens, I wish you a happy Statehood Day. Let us celebrate it with pride and joy in our hearts.