All these events have left behind victims, shattered lives of families and a void that can no longer be filled. And let us not forget events at home, the domestic violence that resulted in the use of weapons and ultimately in deaths.

Even if legal, the calls to arms that we witnessed in recent days from the leader of the largest opposition party are completely irresponsible. They also run counter to the efforts of the international community. Stockpiling personal weapons is not problematic only in terms of terrorism but also from the aspect of UN sustainable development objectives, which include peace, justice and strong institutions.

The United Nations adopted the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects some time ago. That is why the Council of the EU has adopted a decision to support its effective implementation.

Unfortunately, Slovenia’s previous government adopted legislation that eased the conditions for possessing weapons. We abolished these contentious legislative changes as a coalition right at the start of the National Assembly's latest term. Slovenia is a democratic country based on solidarity and the rule of law, with strong institutions that ensure order and security. According to several global indices, Slovenia is among the safest countries in the world.

People's safety is paramount and the Government is actively monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure it. We condemn the fuelling of panic, hatred and populism, and reject all calls to arms. Such calls are contrary to the values of a modern and democratic Slovenia and are not in the spirit of a Europe of solidarity.

Robert Golob, Prime Minister and President of the Freedom Movement
Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and president of the Social Democratic Party
Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture and coordinator of the Left Party