Cerar backs Turkey's EU membership
ANKARA, Turkey - Outgoing Foreign Minister Miro Cerar called for a strengthening of trust between the EU and Turkey, including in the fight against illegal migration, as he met his counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara at the outset of a two-day official visit to the country. He backed Turkey's EU membership provided conditions are met, offering Slovenia's support during its EU presidency next year. He and Cavusoglu also discussed economic cooperation.
Internal discord at SMC over talks with SDS
LJUBLJANA - Ksenija Klampfer, the outgoing labour minister, announced she was stepping down as a vice-leader of the Modern Centre Party (SMC) and quitting the party in protest against the party entering coalition talks with the Democrats (SDS), which she described as a party openly supporting ultra-nationalism and the far-right Hungarian PM Viktor Orban. Moreover, Miro Cerar, the former leader of the SMC, ruled out being part of a government led by SDS leader Janez Janša. The SMC is set to resume talks with the SDS tomorrow after meeting the LMŠ party of the outgoing PM Marjan Šarec today to discuss the possibility for the parties to run together in a potential snap election.
Foreign Ministry condemns neo-Fascist smear campaign
LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Foreign Ministry condemned a smear campaign in which the Italian neo-Fascist movement CasaPound put up banners describing World War II Partisans as assassins, issuing a protest following a recent attempt to deny the suffering of Slovenians at the hands of Fascists. The ministry expects Italian authorities to take measures after CasaPound put up banners in Slovenian villages reading Tito's partisans, villains and assassins ahead of today's remembrance day for foibe victims.
Slovenian, Macedonian speakers confirm excellent bilateral ties
SKOPJE, Macedonia - Speaker Dejan Židan started a two-day visit to North Macedonia by meeting his host and counterpart Talat Xhaferi. The pair confirmed excellent bilateral relations and expressed support for closer economic cooperation. Židan said that he was honoured to have the opportunity to address Macedonian MPs on Tuesday and be present at the signing of the ratification of the country's NATO accession protocol, the Slovenian Parliament House said in a press release.
SDS threatens to sue Šarec over his statements on TV
LJUBLJANA - The Democrats (SDS) have threatened outgoing Prime Minister Marjan Šarec with a lawsuit unless he apologies for statements he made about the party on public television at the end of last month. The SDS was bothered by Šarec's saying it was difficult to cooperate with the SDS, a party that "is using the methods it is using: hate speech, and is being financed by Hungary". Publishing a letter he received from SDS's lawyer, Šarec said on Facebook he had merely stated his opinion, which many shared.
Talks between govt and public sector put on hold
LJUBLJANA - In the wake of PM Marjan Šarec's resignation, negotiations between the government and the public sector trade unions have been suspended. The talks were put on the back burner since no major budget or political measures are expected from the caretaker government, said Public Administration Minister Rudi Medved. However, the talks will continue on certain other issues, including standards and norms in healthcare and social affairs, Jakob Počivavšek, the head of the Pergam confederation of public sector trade unions, told the STA.
One killed as strong winds cause disruption around the country
LJUBLJANA - Strong winds, in particular in the east of the country, have been toppling trees, damaging roofs and disrupting power supply since Sunday evening. One death case has been reported as a tree falling on a vehicle on the Dravograd-Maribor road at around 5am killed the driver. Major power cuts were reported from the Maribor, Zreče, Apače, Lendava and Ivančna Gorica areas. Many roofs were damaged, in particular in the north-east, in the area of Slovenjske Konjice, Velenje and Zreče.
Five border police arrested over fake passport stamping
LJUBLJANA - The National Bureau of Investigation arrested five police officers operating at the Gruškovje and Zavrč border crossings with Croatia. They are believed to have accepted bribes for stamping the passports of third-country Schengen zone residents to allow them to prolong their stay beyond the permitted 90-day period. Proceedings have been launched to terminate the officers' job contracts and to check mechanisms for monitoring the work of border police.
Slovenia's industry expanded by 3% in 2019
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's industrial output increased by 3% last year, the sixth consecutive year of growth. The growth was driven by a 3.4% growth in manufacturing, while the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industries and mining slowed down. Industrial output in December was 1% higher than in the same month a year ago but 1.8% lower than in November. Data from the Statistics Office also show that industrial turnover increased by 2.3% last year and the value of stocks was up by 4.1%.
Slovenia's leading baby care chains slated for merger
LJUBLJANA - Alfi PE, Slovenia's largest private equity fund, announced its intention to acquire and merge the leading chains of baby and child care shops in Slovenia to create a major player with a leading position in Slovenia and a strong presence in Southeast Europe. The fund intends to acquire majority stakes in Baby Center, which operates stores in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, and Pikapoka, which operates the retail chains in Slovenia and Croatia and owns the toy wholesaler Apollo.
New health insurance rules expand eligibility
LJUBLJANA - ZZZS, the public health insurer, has recently changed rules that govern eligibility for benefits covered by compulsory health insurance. The change, worth EUR 10 million per year, mostly in the form of fresh funds for medical devices, will start making a difference in patients' lives as of June. The changes, adopted by the ZZZS in early February, focus on tackling red-tape in healthcare and expanding benefits. For example, the number of incontinence pads provided per day to patients suffering from incontinence has been increased.
Renewed Škocjan Caves trail to attract thrill seekers
DIVAČA - Adventurers enjoying a descend into the wonders of Slovenia's underground cave system will soon be able to walk a reconstructed trail through the Hanke Canal in the Škocjan Caves. The narrow and rocky path runs high above the river Reka and gives adrenaline junkies something to look forward to. Following the reconstruction, the trail, which used to be closed off, will be available to guided groups including up to ten people. The special tours will be available only two times per month.
