President Pahor delivers a speech at the condolence ceremony in memory of Boris Pahor at the National Hall in Trieste
Trieste, Italy, 1. 6. 2022 | press release, speech
President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, attended the condolence ceremony in memory of Boris Pahor at the National Hall in Trieste. President Pahor made a speech at the condolence ceremony.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
The speech by the President of the Republic of Slovenia is provided below. Spoken word applies.
When the Slovenian political spring blossomed in the second half of the 1980s, everything from values to established practices was subject to great change.
Regarding the democratic changes that eventually enabled the establishment of an independent country, Slovenians were not historical latecomers.
From the historical perspective, it seems that we were ready for it at the time.
Some things are undoubtedly true.
The spontaneity, unpredictability and authenticity of landmark developments were substantiated and anchored by several historically reflected experiences and strong, distinguished personalities.
They gave impetus to the changes and encouraged them, while simultaneously thoughtfully considering and justifying their worth.
One such rare and precious personality in favour of the national awakening was Boris Pahor.
Never, not even then, did he force himself to the forefront, but he was there all along.
Boris Pahor personified the Slovenian national experience of the entire 20th century.
No matter how severely the winds of fate, like a storm, lashed the lighthouse in the bay, he was still there, spreading his light.
Boris Pahor, this stubborn and straightforward figure with a clearly defined moral compass, a man who personified resistance against all three totalitarianisms and an enlightened soul who believed and lived truth and justice, found himself embedded in the Slovenian collective consciousness as its moral anchor due to his virtues of character and value in those crucial times.
Although, in the explanation of the processes and events that eventually led to the establishment of the independent Slovenian state, we will not frequently come across a reference to Boris Pahor, he acted as its conscience with his charismatic personality.
He was there throughout, usually unseen, but very influential in his own way.
Through literature and public action, he placed the central focus on democracy, national and personal freedom, political pluralism, and diversity of opinion.
But his uniqueness regarding these topics was in his credibility, authenticity and sincerity.
His wilfulness and tenacity, which shaped him through difficult life’
s challenges, qualified him as a living legend, a personification of these values.
From here springs his historical significance for our national existence and development.
Perhaps, it was also because of him that the Slovenian political and national revival was so European from the outset.
Boris Pahor, a dedicated and conscious Slovenian, as such opened himself to the European space, addressed it and was heard and answered.
From this aspect, he could be a very bothersome discussion partner.
If you wanted to flatter him with Slovenian-ness, he mentioned the context of Europe. If you wanted to endear yourself to him with Europeanism, he reminded you of the irreplaceability of the national identity.
If you wanted to criticise the shortcomings of democracy, he sternly reminded you of the danger of autocracies and dictatorships.
Everything was subject to critical consideration.
Nothing was absolute for him; perhaps, as they say, only love.
I do not know what he actually felt when the National Hall was returned to Slovenians.
It seems this should have been of great personal satisfaction for him.
It really was a great act, including in the physical sense.
But, as far as I personally knew Boris Pahor, I dare say that, in a symbolic sense, Bazovica meant just as much to him on that day.
Upon the presentation of state decorations, conferred on him by myself, and the Italian President and my friend Sergio Mattarella, and regarding which he was initially reserved, he stated,
"I dedicate these decorations to all who have died, all whom I have written about, starting with Lojze Bratuž and the four Bazovica heroes to whom the President of the Italian Republic will also pay tribute on 13 July."
Dear Family Pahor, Mourning Assembly, Dear Boris Pahor.
Together with all the generations of Slovenians at home, in the neighbouring countries and around the world on whose shoulders we stand, we remember you now and dedicate to you the expressions of our utmost sincere admiration and gratitude, as we honour your historical significance in regard to our national existence and development.
Thank you, Boris Pahor.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA