With some luck, today’s date will become an historic one in Motovun. The formation of a local branch of the Green Party – Green Alternative, the only green party in Istria at present, introduces green issues into local politics for the first time. So far, the parties representing the political spectrum have shied away from anything green even though a single visit to the town makes it obvious that this is a fatal omission. Principles of sustainable development will guide the new branch in everything it does, and that is another first in these parts. Many people here are doing their best to cash in everything they have inherited from past generations; from now on, the wellbeing of future generations will enter into the political discourse in Motovun. The survival and success of the branch will depend on its appeal to the youngest generation, and especially those with university education. Put differently, the new branch of the Green party is likely to stay small but outspoken. And that is a future well worth fighting for.

Addendum (July 2, 2016)

Sheer gibberish, of course. The Motovun branch of the Green Party – Green Alternative ceased to exist soon after the municipal elections the very year it was formed. In fact, it lasted around six months at most. What is worse, sustainable development never caught on with the local population, let alone the youngest generation. And this is how things stand seven years later, as well. Although most people in the municipality would agree that climate change is a serious threat, few of them would feel that there is anything that needs to be done about it on the municipal level. They do their best to adjust to the changing weather within their own households and land holdings, but that is all. Chances are that little, if anything, will change in this respect in the years to come. But one thing is as sure as sure can be, and that is that February 7, 2009, will be remembered by nobody in these parts. And that includes even me, the erstwhile founder and leader of the local branch in question. An historic date, my ass.