Črna na Koroškem - The traditional get-together of politicians at the Najevnik Linden Tree was held near Črna na Koroškem in the north of the country on Saturday. Attended by many senior officials, the event provided a reflection on what makes a good leader.

The 31st meeting under the Najevnik Linden Tree took place at the village Ludranski Vrh south of Črna na Koroškem, where an estimated 400 people gathered.

Among them were President Borut Pahor, many politicians from the ruling coalition such as Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan and parliamentary Speaker Urška Klakočar Zupančič, and several MPs as well as MEPs Milan Brglez and Matjaž Nemec.

In addition there were also representatives of business and local communities and guests from neighbouring Austria in attendance.

The keynote speaker at the meeting was ethnologist and anthropologist Marija Makarovič, who noted the history of the 750-year-old linden tree and the turning points in Slovenia's history that this tree has witnessed.

She said that in the April election Slovenians had overwhelmingly chosen the European way of life, under which people can think, speak and act freely and be accountable for that.

Addressing the gathering for the last time in his capacity as president, Pahor said that Slovenians had been able to overcome great differences in their history.

He called on every citizen to take care of the country and their national and civic community, and to acknowledge the responsibility to ensure that the current relatively high level of prosperity is also guaranteed for their descendants.

The meeting began with the 7th Najevnik Linden Tree debate dedicated to the power of leaders. The host of the meeting, Črna na Koroškem Mayor Romana Lesjak, said that the task of a leader, whether of a country, a municipality or a company, was to be in touch with the people and to work for the people.

A good leader is one who is aware that they are in a position of leadership because of the people and one who must be able to approach people and listen to them, said Klakočar Zupančič. She added that a true leader must recognise the good in people.