In the nineties, I was successfully marking my path as a business woman, at a time of the largest economic transition – the transition from a centrally planned economy to a free market system. The time was ripe for swift and bold decision making and above all the need to adapt quickly to changing conditions. With great faith in a more democratic future, the staff and I managed to save the company even though it was doomed to failure. Through this, I learned that the battle can only be won through honest dialogue, showing the reality of the situation and the possible consequences of both the worst and the best scenarios. To this day, I pump experience from this school of life.
With my entry into politics, I was introduced to the entire range of responsibility towards all citizens: the responsibility to establish conditions where the economy, entrepreneurship, and jobs can thrive; the right conditions for youth education, for healthy living, and care for the elderly; to help people with special needs, care for the socially vulnerable; the responsibility for rural development, a balanced attitude towards nature, and especially for a just country. As the Minister of Health, I had the opportunity to chair meetings with the Ministers of Health from all other European countries, during the Slovenian Presidency. Elections for the European Parliament were already held in 2009. However, in accordance with the Lisbon Treaty, all EU member states had to ratify the additional protocol number 36 enacting the conditions for 18 new members from different countries to be sworn into the European Parliament. The election results that I achieved as a candidate in the elections from the SDS party, enabled the Slovenian National Assembly to vote on my mandate today. Giving me an additional boost, support in the Parliament was exceptional, without a single vote against.
On Monday, I will be a full member of the European Parliament. All of my energy comes from you, who voted for me and gave me your support. On this occasion, I would like to thank all of the voters who supported me and the SDS. I would also like to thank those who supported me and the Slovenian Democratic Party in the parliamentary elections, and despite my personal and our common win in the 8th constituency of the 5th voting unit, we were a few votes short to enter the Slovenian Parliament.
I will use all of my energy for the benefit of Slovenia n the European Parliament in the areas where I have previous experience. Life has taught me that to succeed overnight, you require a decade of effort and work. So do not lose hope over individual losses, because in the long run, these are the ones that bring triumph. Stay tuned!
