Miroslav Pačnik, a highly resonant figure in recent days, has spoken out after removing the head from the statue of Josip Broz Tito. In his statement, he explains why he left the symbol of crime and totalitarianism in Velenje headless.
He believes that Velenje and Slovenia deserve monuments to people who unite us, rather than the glorification of those who still evoke fear and pain in many hearts.Pačnik also warns that monuments to totalitarian regimes, such as Tito’s regime, should have no place in central public spaces in a democratic country.
Why I Left the Symbol of Crime and Totalitarianism in Velenje Headless
Primarily because Velenje and Slovenia deserve, in prominent places, memories of people who unite us. Not the glorification of those who still evoke fear and pain in far too many hearts.To spark an reasoned debate, without labeling, that would lead to Velenje finally getting symbols that unite and connect us. Not preserving monuments that divide us. Monuments that glorify a regime we left behind through a plebiscite decision.In the Basic Constitutional Charter on the Independence of the Republic of Slovenia, we Slovenes declared that we were leaving Yugoslavia – officially the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – because human and national rights were gravely violated in that country. The symbol of that undemocratic, totalitarian state and its system was, and will always remain, Josip Broz Tito. A man who rose to power through a bloody communist revolution during World War II and the occupation of Yugoslavia. Under his rule, hundreds of thousands of people were barbarically killed in Yugoslavia according to official data, more than half a million were imprisoned in concentration and labor camps and prisons, and more than a million were expelled from from their homeland or forced to leave due to political terror or poverty. Among the victims of his regime were many Slovenian women and men. In a democratic country, there must be no room for worshiping crime and totalitarianism.The excuse that Tito also did good things does not outweigh the fact that he caused enormous suffering and is listed among the greatest criminals in human history. If anyone does not believe my statement, they can quickly verify it using numerous artificial intelligence tools. Feel free to type in the phrase “Tito’s crimes”.Monuments to totalitarian practices and their symbols, as well as their worship, are contrary to Slovenian constitutional principles and resolutions of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. Local and state authorities should have long ago moved them to museums and memorial parks dedicated to the totalitarian period of our history, where visitors should also be explained what they symbolize. Those who still want to worship them can go there. In any case, such remnants of the totalitarian past do not belong on our squares. What message do we send to young generations? That it is acceptable to rule without elections? That it is permissible to imprison and even kill people without trials? That we can disregard human rights when someone’s power is threatened, who declares himself ruler?The erection and preservation of monuments to communism, National Socialism, and fascism is legally prohibited in many European countries. Recently, the Czech Republic adopted such legislation. Slovenia will one day have to take this step too. I hope that my protest action against the obvious violation of Slovenian constitutional and European principles will bring this step closer.Not long ago, a proposal was submitted to the Velenje City Council to erect a monument to Velenje miners instead of the monument to totalitarianism and to rename the square to Miners’ Square. How is it possible to oppose such a proposal, which by no logic can divide the citizens of Velenje? Who would be hurt or offended if we had a square and monument dedicated to thousands, tens of thousands of Slovenian miners who for decades provide for their families and the local community while ensuring energy for the entire country? Let us erect a monument to them, who with their calloused hands actually contributed to the development of Velenje, some of whom unfortunately recently lost their lives in the process. They deserve gratitude and the honor of remembrance. An honor of remembrance that does not divide us, but unites us. Of course, erecting a monument to miners is just one option. Surely other noble ideas will emerge.The Municipality of Velenje currently has an excellent opportunity to choose the path of unification. Let it move the dictator’s statue from the previous regime to a museum, where it belongs. I can help with the relocation together with my many like-minded people. I have already done some of the work myself, though the entire statue is too big a bite for one person.Let me conclude my message with sincere wishes for the upcoming holidays. Celebrate them in the circle of your loved ones, with smiles on your faces and sparkles in your eyes.To all those whom I have hurt with my action, I sincerely apologize here. I did not intend to hurt anyone, but I suggest you choose a less controversial and brighter figure as your idol.Good luck, Velenje… Good luck, Slovenia
Your Miro
C. Š.
