Why go
The sequence matters: multiparty elections in 1990 preceded the independence referendum, while the declaration in June 1991 was followed by armed conflict and negotiation. This background gives Ljubljana’s place in the republic’s founding a clear context and distinguishes independence from the longer process of building democratic institutions.
The full story
Opposition parties were allowed to contest elections as Slovenia moved toward multiparty democracy. In April 1990, the DEMOS coalition won the parliamentary election and formed a government led by Lojze Peterle. Milan Kučan won the presidential election. Political and economic reforms accompanied the growing effort to leave the Yugoslav federation. A referendum in December 1990 gave strong support to independence. Slovenia adopted its independence acts on 25 June 1991, and the declaration was proclaimed in Ljubljana. The brief conflict known as the Ten-Day War followed. The Brijuni Agreement in July, mediated by the European Community, provided the framework for de-escalation, and the Yugoslav army completed its withdrawal later that year. Slovenia adopted a new constitution in December 1991 and joined the United Nations in May 1992. These events established the foundations of the independent republic.