Almost 560 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Saturday
LJUBLJANA - A total of 2,720 PCR tests were performed in Slovenia on Saturday to result in 559 new coronavirus cases, for a positivity rate of 20.6% or 0.8 of a percentage point more than the day before, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) reported. Compared to the previous Saturday, the number of cases is up by 242, although only 1,710 PCR tests performed one week ago. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population is up by 14 to 455, and the seven-day average of new daily cases grew by 34 to 834, according to the NIJZ. A total of 292 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised this morning, up by 18 on the day before, including 70 in intensive care, up by eight, show data by the Covid tracker site covid-19.sledilnik.org.
Basovizza Heroes remembered with calls against hatred, exclusion
BASOVIZZA, Italy - A ceremony for four victims of Fascism executed in September 1930, known among Slovenians as the Basovizza Heroes, was held at the memorial site, with Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch saying that it was a reminder of how much misery and pain humans and authorities could cause if they let hatred and exclusion win. Jaklitsch was the keynote speaker at the ceremony remembered the four at the site where they were executed 91 years ago following a short trial before a Fascist court in Trieste. "This place witnesses that it pays to give everything we have, our lives for what we really love. This place teaches us forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as mutual acceptance and respect," she said.
Tonin says no stable government possible without NSi
ŽUŽEMBERK - The coalition New Slovenia (NSi) held its annual informal gathering, with its president Matej Tonin saying that the key achievements of the government were the key achievements of the NSi ministers. He noted that it was not possible to build a stable government without cooperation through the political centre and without the NSi. "The NSi did not enter this government out of love, but to be responsible and commit itself to realising our programme," said the defence minister. He added that a government headed by the NSi would focus not on ideology, but on a vision of a free, just and safe Slovenia.
Pahor stresses importance of dialogue at G20 Interfaith Forum
BOLOGNA, Italy - Slovenian President Borut Pahor addressed a meeting of the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), saying that divisions, in particular political and ideological, were one of the societal wounds that need to be urgently healed. He also proposed a meeting of senior religious representatives in the Western Balkan region. On Saturday evening, Pahor attended a ceremony remembering victims killed during prayer in church of various confessions all around the world, held in Santo Stefano Basilica by Bologna Archbishop Matteo Zuppi.
Perutnina Ptuj posts record sales of EUR 294m last year
PTUJ - The poultry group Perutnina Ptuj said it posted EUR 294 million in sales revenue in 2020, a new record and 3% increase on the year before. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were up 7% to EUR 47.7 million. The group that was taken over by Ukrainian Holding MHP in early 2019 posted a net profit of EUR 31 million andincreased its workforce by 190 to almost 3,900. The core company based in Ptuj, which employs 1,900 people, saw its sales revenue stay flat last year at EUR 177 million, while EBITDA was record-high at EUR 27 million, or EUR 4.8 million higher than in 2019. Net profit stood at EUR 18.5 million. The group's investments increased by 88% compared to 2019 to EUR 21.6 million.
Savšek finishes second overall in Canoe Slalom World Cup
PAU, France - Slovenia's Benjamin Savšek finished second overall in the Canoe Slalom World Cup by taking second place in the last event of the season. Savšek finished 0.16 seconds behind the winner, Denis Gargaud Chanut of France, who was also crowned the winner of the World Cup. The 34-year-old was not the only Slovenian on the podium, as Luka Božič was third to achieve his best result of the season. Overall, Gargaud Chanut collected 243 points, and was followed by Savšek with 217, while Božič finished 6th in the standings with 182 points.
