PM Janša, Defence Minister Tonin among targets of death threats
LJUBLJANA - Police confirmed they were investigating death threats mailed to several top politicians, including PM Janez Janša and Defence Minister Matej Tonin on Friday. The mail contained live ammunition. Janša was sent photographs on which targets were drawn on his face and the faces of his family with the threat saying he would be the "first to go down", and the same fate awaited the government's supporters. Tonin was threatened he would not get to see the next general election. Similar threats were also sent to Interior Minister Aleš Hojs, and the deputy groups of the opposition National Party (SNS) and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), and unofficially Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek. The threats drew condemnation from across the political isle amid calls for de-escalation of political rhetoric.
Slovenia marks Sovereignty Day
LJUBLJANA/KOPER - Slovenia marked Sovereignty Day in memory of the last Yugoslav army soldiers leaving Slovenian soil 30 years ago. Addressing the state ceremony in Koper, Defence Minister Matej Tonin said the decision for independence made 30 years ago had been the right one. But he warned of "toxic" political debate in the country and called for easing of tensions. "We can all start by thinking twice before publishing a post on social media. Fierce and unfortunately often insulting communication through social media obstructs our joint efforts in real life," he said. In other messages, Prime Minister Janez Janša called for efforts to boost Slovenia's security resilience, while Speaker Igor Zorčič called for responsible and efficient policies and President Borut Pahor emphasized dialogue and cooperation.
Positivity rate almost 34% on Sunday
LJUBLJANA - A total of 707 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Slovenia on Sunday, almost double the figure from a week ago, while the positivity rate hit almost 34%. Government also reported 11 Covid-19 fatalities, the highest daily death toll since the end of April. The seven-day average of new cases increased by 49 to 1,722 and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents climbed to 898, up by 25 compared to the day before. Hospitalisations rose to 493 and ICU cases to 127.
POP TV poll shows support for SDS rising, Pahor's ratings fall
LJUBLJANA - The ruling Democratic Party (SDS) saw its support rating rise by almost four percentage points compared to September to 18.6% in the latest poll commissioned by the commercial broadcaster POP TV. The opposition Social Democrats (SD) remain second at 11.5%, also rising by almost two percentage points. NSi MEP Ljudmila Novak returned to the top of the popularity ranking of politicians to unseat the long-standing public favourite, President Borut Pahor, who fall to fifth, which poorest showing yet.
New residential estate opens in Ljubljana
LJUBLJANA - A new housing estate called Novo Brdo was inaugurated in the south-western part of Ljubljana. It is set to become one of Ljubljana's largest neighbourhoods, where 498 vulnerable families and individuals are to be housed. Črtomir Remec, the director of Slovenia's Housing Fund, said that the Novo Brdo estate is "the second part of a trilogy of investments" made possible by a EUR 50 million loan from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The ceremony was also addressed by CEB governor Rolf Wenzel.
American corporation ADM acquires share in Acies Bio
LJUBLJANA - The US multinational food processing corporation ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) has acquired a minority stake in Acies Bio, a Ljubljana-based biotech company whose main activity is biotechnology R&D and consulting. The agreement, whose value was not disclosed, was concluded last Friday. ADM acquired the stake in Acies Bio through its company ADM Ventures, which invests in technology start-ups. Acies Bio received a Gazelle Award for fast-growing company in 2018. It posted EUR 2.4 million in revenue in 2020.
Five Slovenian destinations make it to best of Europe list
LJUBLJANA - Destination expert Terry Stevens has ranked five Slovenian destinations on his list of the top 50 European destinations released in his book Wish You Were Here - Europe. The only other European country to boast such a high number of places to see is Spain. The destinations included are Bled and Bohinj lakes, the Soča valley, Ljubljana, the wine region of Goriška Brda and the spa towns of Podčetrtek and Rogaška Slatina. Stevens, the 2020 ambassador of Slovenia's tourism who has visited Slovenia nearly 50 times, noted the country's unique experiences and sustainable tourism at the launch.
