Manevrska struktura narodne zaščite in začetki odpora ob odcepljanju Slovenije leta 1990
The manoeuvre structure of national protection and the beginnings of resistance during Slovenia's secession in 1990

slovenian

2026

volume 15, issue 1/2

confiscation of arms   surrender of arms   transfer of arms Territorial Defence

Združenje Pomurska akademsko znanstvena unija
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

In April 1990, Slovenia held its first multi-party elections, marking a democratic transition from the former one-party system. On 15 May 1990, one day before the new government took office, an order was issued requiring the transfer of the Territorial Defence (TD) weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials to the facilities of the Yugoslav People's Army (YPA). The transfer was only partially successful, triggering resistance and leading to the establishment of a parallel defence structure later known as the Manoeuvre Structure of National Protection. These events contributed to the constitutional amendments adopted in September 1990 and the subsequent transfer of command over the Slovenian Territorial Defence to the republican authorities. Although interpretations of these events remain divided, resistance to the transfer of TD weapons represented a significant step towards Slovenia's independence and foreshadowed the violent dissolution of Yugoslavia.

31.08.2026