Danko: Slovakia Can't Afford to Lose Historical Memory

Danko: Slovakia Can't Afford to Lose Historical Memory

Banska Bystrica, August 29 (TASR) – Arguably every family in Slovakia has its own stories and experiences from WWII, but it sometimes seems as though indifference to these events is felt in contemporary society, said Parliamentary Chairman Andrej Danko (Slovak National Party/SNS) at an event commemorating the 1944 Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in Banska Bystrica on Wednesday.


“They’ve been attacking us from all sides. They’re able to manipulate, challenge and smear. Yet, the truth must be defended more intensely, be explained and supported by relevant information,” said Danko, adding that Slovakia can’t afford to lose its historical memory.

Linking the WWII uprising in Slovakia to current world events, Danko said that some people seem to have forgotten how happy they were when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President Ronald Reagan met in the 1980s. “Why shouldn’t we be so sincerely happy about the Trump-Putin meeting? Let’s pray that the global powers will pursue dialogue and that small nations like ours will be able to develop their states,” he said.

Turning back to the SNP, Danko said that the uprising as “resistance to evil” demonstrated the true character of Slovaks and their hearts.

The parliamentary chairman and Slovak National Party chief also appealed for distinctions to be made between nationalists and people who love their nation. “Let’s build strict boundaries between fascism, nationalism and patriotism,” he added.