Mistrikova: In November 1989 People Came to Squares for Same Reasons as Today

Bratislava, November 17 (TASR) - The ideals that people called for in squares in November 1989 are the same as those that make people to come to squares today, Zuzana Mistrikova, one of the student leaders of the November 1989, said at a rally to mark the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution organised by the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) parties in Bratislava on Sunday. Mistrikova addressed her speech particularly to the young generation. She believes that it shares the same values ​​as the generations of young people before it. "They are determined to fight for what is important to them, for freedom of speech, justice, truth in public space, decency, environmental protection and open culture. These were all the things we stood for in the squares 35 years ago, and we still stand here today," she said. The figure of the November 1989 and MP Frantisek Miklosko (KDH) stated that the government hasn't joined the holiday and the legacy of the Velvet Revolution that people celebrate in the squares. He criticised the Cabinet and Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for the fact that Slovakia is "heading towards eastern authoritarian regimes". "However, Slovakia belongs to the value world of a western-type democracy," stressed Miklosko. He called on those present to honour not only the legacy of November 1989, but also oppressed people around the world, especially Ukrainians, facing Russia's aggression. Opposition leaders have openly spoken of the rally as an expression of disagreement with the current government's policy, which they accuse of ignoring and disrespecting the legacy of November 1989. At the same time, they declared that the Velvet Revolution is a symbol of possible changes. "It is a proof that solidarity, courage and unity can overcome hatred and injustice," said SaS leader Branislav Groehling. KDH leader Milan Majersky emphasised the importance of the will to unite for the common good. "Today we're not here because of what divides us, we are here so that we can together dream the dream of a high-quality and decent country where we want to live," he said. Unsuccessful presidential candidate Ivan Korcok, who recently joined the PS, highlighted three words that are symptomatic to him of November 1989 and the present day - determination, decency and hope. "Determination in not accepting the way in which Slovakia is declining, decency in expressing indignation at the current state in a cultivated manner and with respect for others, and hope in order not to give up on the fact that Slovakia can be better," he stressed. PS leader Michal Simecka relies on determination for changes as well. ko