On Saturday, the 2nd of August, a large number of citizens and supporters from other parts of Slovenia gathered in front of the Velenje Town Hall, in response to an initiative to change the names of two central public spaces in the town. The gathering, organised by Andrej Jevšenak, was peaceful, respectful, and focused on the issue at hand – with a clear desire for a symbolic renovation of the city that would turn to values that unite rather than divide. The organiser of the rally wrote: “I am pleased that a good number of well-meaning people gathered. We spoke our minds, with the aim of making Velenje a normal European city as soon as possible.”
Two contributions were read at the event, which were met with loud approval from those present. The first speech emphasised the importance of renaming Tito Square to Town Square and Kardelj Square to Miners’ Square. The initiative does not seek to erase history, but rather to shed light on it in the spirit of the times in which we live today—as a comprehensive reflection of the values that should unite the local community.
“We propose the name Town Square because this space today represents the heart of the city’s pulse – it is a space for all people, regardless of their political, historical, or cultural affiliation,” they wrote. “The name Miners’ Square, on the other hand, should be used as a recognition of the work, effort, and sacrifices of generations who built this city with their own hands – not ideologically, but in real life.” They also emphasised that “the time has come for public spaces to reflect unifying values, not divisive symbols.”
Velenje has always been and will continue to be a mining town
The second contribution delved deeper into the significance of place names. Public spaces should not bear names that are meaningless or even have a divisive historical background, but should reflect what is important and valuable to the community. “What is Velenje? Velenje is a town of miners,” reads the text, which commemorates the generations who enabled the development of the town and the region through their work in the mine.
This year, when the Velenje Coal Mine celebrates its 150th anniversary, is, according to the speakers, the perfect opportunity for such a symbolic gesture: to pay tribute to all these workers and their families with a permanent monument – Miners’ Square. “Let the name of our square not glorify the criminal side of history, but proclaim and remind us of what Velenje is: a town of miners,” they emphasised.
An initiative that does not divide – but invites dialogue
The participants and organisers of the rally emphasised that their proposal is not directed against anyone, but instead focuses towards the future. They focus on respect, courage and a joint search for ways to coexist in a pluralistic, democratic community. “Our initiative is not directed against anyone. It is an invitation to dialogue, to respect all views, but also to have the courage to look ahead.”
Call for a new meeting
The organisers expressed their satisfaction that they are not alone in this way of thinking. They therefore announced a new meeting to be held on Saturday, the 6th of September, 2025, again in front of the Velenje Town Hall. “We hope to meet again with an even larger number of like-minded people,” wrote Jevšenak.
Sara Kovač
