I am grateful for the plans, the hope, and yes, for the challenges and difficulties as well. I am grateful for our heritage and memories.

The memories of 1990 remain vivid and strong for all of us who lived through that time. I was fortunate to be a young idealist then, but not too young to vote, and I cast my ballot at the plebiscite, circling that historic YES with all my enthusiasm and conviction.

When we wore badges that read "Slovenia, my country," we were all, in a way, idealists. But we were not naive. It is sometimes said that we dreamt of a kind of paradise when we sought independence. I do not believe this.

We approached the plebiscite as a mature nation, bearing all the weight of historical responsibility. We did not fantasise about the impossible. We knew that standing on our own feet would be hard sometimes. But we also knew that we could succeed. And that we could bring about positive changes.

The journey was not easy. It led us through the war of independence and a devastating transition crisis that shattered families and destroyed lives. In 1993, unemployment exceeded 15%, with almost 150,000 adult citizens out of work. These are figures that are unimaginable in 2024, when we are close to full employment. Yet even today, change for the better is not easy. We fear change because it can be painful.

Although I push myself and my team with ambitious timelines that I know frustrate many of you, I realise that change cannot be rushed, especially if we really want to carefully consider and discuss it.

Just as we never regretted the plebiscite in the 1990s, despite the hardships, we will continue to walk the path of change with determination. Yes, we have taken a step backwards, and we will do so again if necessary. Not out of uncertainty, but out of responsibility.

In daily life, it is quite normal for each of us to accept criticism if it is justified, to adapt and to correct our actions. What we expect from a grown-up, we also expect from mature politics. But we will not change our course. As we have demonstrated with wage reform, and now with health reform – we will persevere.  

Slovenia is also persevering in the world, where it has an increasingly strong voice: a voice for human rights and the dignity of all peoples. As a member of the European Union, NATO and a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we have a strong moral stance rooted in our values of independence. We have earned trust and respect.

I reject the notion of some people saying that Slovenia is small, that our voice is not heard and it does not count in the world. We must never accept such self-doubt. Nor must we ever yield to the logic of fear. Peace in the EU remains solid and strong; as long as we stay true to our values and do not give in to hatred, which grows precisely from fearmongering and contempt, no one can take this peace from us. 

Just as nobody can take away our prosperity, although we must acknowledge that geopolitical changes are shaking the global market. Slovenia is unlikely to completely avoid the impact next year either.

Economic fluctuations are like the seasons. They come. But – as a wise northern European saying goes – there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. If an economic winter is approaching, we must face it well equipped. The government will everything necessary to ensure we have really good clothing.

As with the energy crisis, we will develop reasonable, swift and effective measures to support the economy. We will continue to ensure balanced budget expenditure – we will not be buying favour and votes at the expense of Slovenia's fiscal health. We will also continue to invest in the long-term success of our economy.

I have said many times and will say it again, because it is truly important – the funds allocated to research and development are at historical levels and by the end of our term, they will reach double the amount allocated in 2022. We will never regret a single euro invested in Slovenian talent.

We are rich in talent, so much so that the whole world marvels at it and envies us. At the award ceremony for the best cyclist, I could hardly wait to shake hands with Tadej Pogačar. I was deeply moved and thrilled to applaud the recipients of this year's Zois and Puh Prizes in this very hall.

Can you imagine the sacrifices and changes, the effort and perseverance required to win the Tour or the Vuelta? Or to be awarded an international research project? And how many unsung heroes are there in our country beyond all those we praise?

I met quite a few of them last week – in a short few hours, I welcomed Santa Claus with children and spent time with the residents of a care home. There was much fun and laughter at both places, and plenty of sweets, too. It made me realise that we pass on all the good and sweet things, from mother to daughter, from grandfather to grandson.

We must pass on this independence that we said YES to at the plebiscite to future generations – the independence to research, establish companies, take over farms, travel freely, breathe deeply, be accepted and valued, not be prisoners of prejudices, be proud of themselves and their homeland.

Because without pride there is no confidence, and without confidence there is no independence. Those of us who experienced the Slovenian awakening in the 1980s know the pride we felt. We were proud of our industry giants, the Olympic medal, our diligence and knowledge, our country and its beauty.

I admit I grow angry when anyone disparages this country. When they undermine its fundamental institutions, claim that education, healthcare and social services – the systems in which thousands of people work hard and take care of us every day – are falling apart miserably.

It is one thing to be critical, but quite another to throw insults. When I hear insults, I feel anger – for our ancestors who dreamt of this nation, built it and sacrificed their reputation, health and even lives for it. Because these insults simply are not true.

Slovenia is OURS. From Hodoš to Piran, from Črnomelj to Kranjska Gora. Let us build it together, build it with respect and responsibly. Let us cherish it, and cherish each other.

Tonight, our thoughts are especially with:

• The families of those who fell in the war of independence – they will never be forgotten.
• Those living in the areas affected by the floods – we have already done much and will not stop until every brick is in its place.
• Those caring for the most vulnerable, those working during holidays, and the thousands of volunteers – we are deeply grateful to you.

I wish you all a merry and blessed Christmas. May 2025 be year of persistence, courage, generosity and pride on our journey for a better future.