Blanar: Let's Apply Democracy Without Exceptions, Not Just When Convenient

Bratislava, 17 November (TASR) - Democracy must be applied without exceptions, not just when it is convenient, Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) has said to mark the 36th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, warning of the danger of an era of "a single correct opinion". "The Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy is a public holiday in Slovakia, and we honour this holiday regardless of whether we have a day off or not, which is what the opposition parties are trying to distort today. Instead of realising the true essence of 17 November, they are abusing it to polarise society. Yet it was in November 1989 that we all united for the values ​​of democracy and freedom to express our opinions, as well as for the plurality of political parties," he said. The minister stressed that democratic principles don't put weapons, propaganda, or hatred that rejects different opinions into people's hands. He claimed that the "liberal-progressive media" and the opposition are trying to push this on people at the moment. "They are using manipulation to choose when, for whom and where freedom of opinion is applicable. And if anyone's opinion doesn't match their own ideas, they falsely accuse and call for dehumanisation, instead of discussion," said Blanar, who appealed to people to be vigilant on Monday and not let themselves be intimidated by "liberal-progressive manipulations". "Let's continue to promote the natural values ​​of democracy. That's what we fought for on the squares for ourselves and for our homeland 36 years ago," he added. ko/df