Proposal Reintroduces National Memorial Day for Communist Victims
A new legislative proposal seeks to reinstate the annual observance of May 17th as a national memorial day honoring the victims of communist violence in Slovenia. The initiative, spearheaded by Janez Cigler Kralj (NSi, SLS, Fokus), aims to formally recognize the sacrifices made by those affected during the period. The proposal builds upon a declaration made in May 2022 by the then-government of Janez Janša, which established May 17th as a national day of remembrance.
However, this designation was subsequently repealed by the Robert Golob government in the following year. Proponents argue that while other victims of totalitarian regimes within Slovenia and across Europe have received official commemoration, the memory of victims of communist rule remains insufficiently acknowledged in the public sphere. They assert a need to address this disparity.
According to the proposal, if enacted, the transfer of remains of deceased victims to the Žale cemetery would occur within three months of the law’s passage. The initiative represents a renewed effort to ensure a dedicated day for remembrance and to elevate the recognition of the victims of communist violence.
Topics: #victims #day #janez
It’s a necessary step to finally acknowledge and remember the suffering of those who were unjustly harmed.