The ideals that people called for in the squares in 1989 are the same ones for which people come to the squares today. At the meeting for the 35th anniversary of the Gentle Revolution, which was organized in the capital by the opposition PS, SaS and KDH, this was stated by Zuzana Mistríková, one of the student leaders in November 1989.
In her speech, she addressed the young generation in particular, which she is convinced shares the same values as the generations of young people who were here before her. “They are determined to fight for what is important to them, for freedom of speech, justice, truth in public space, decency, environmental protection, open culture. These were all things that we stood for in the squares 35 years ago, and we stand here today,” she said.
She expressed the hope that Slovakia will not walk for a long time on the path it is walking on today, led by “the aggression of the uneducated and unsuccessful, who have acquired the feeling that now is their moment”.
The personality of November 1989 and member of parliament for the KDH František Mikloško said that the government did not join the holiday and the legacy of the Gentle Revolution, which people celebrate in the squares. He criticized the cabinet and Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for the fact that Slovakia is “moving” towards eastern authoritarian regimes. “However, Slovakia belongs to the value world of Western democracy,” he emphasized Santa Claus. He called on those present to honor not only the legacy of November 1989, but also the oppressed nations around the world, especially the Ukrainians, facing Russian aggression.
Opposition leaders openly spoke of the rally as a manifestation of disagreement with the policies of the current government, which they blame for ignoring and disrespecting the message of November 1989. At the same time, they declared that the Gentle Revolution is a symbol of possible change. “It is proof that solidarity, courage and unity can overcome hatred and injustice,” declared the chairman of SaS Branislav Gröhling.
Chairman of the KDH Milan Majerský he emphasized the importance of the willingness to unite for the common good. “Today we are not here because of what divides us, we are here so that together we can dream of a high-quality and decent country where we want to live,” pointed out.
Unsuccessful presidential candidate Ivan Korčokwho joined the PS, highlighted three words that are symptomatic for him of November 1989 and the present day – determination, decency and hope. “Determination in the fact that we will not come to terms with how Slovakia is declining, decency in the fact that we will express our indignation at the current state in a cultured manner and with respect for others, and hope in order not to give up on the fact that Slovakia can be better.” he emphasized.
PS leader Michal also relies on determination after the changes Simečka. “Truth and love will never go out of fashion, because Slovakia is and will be a nation of free people who will not be silent. Any power that wants to silence them will eventually lose.” he emphasized.
