22 Jun 2021, 12:02 PM

Janša Ranges from Independence to COVID, EU & More in RTV Interview

STA, 21 June 2021 - Prime Minister Janez Janša described arguments about political unity over Slovenia's independence 30 years ago as a "bad myth" in an interview with the public broadcaster on Monday, but acknowledged the people's unity as the key factor to the step.

In the interview ahead of the 30th anniversary of independence, Janša said those were "much more fateful, unrepeatable times" compared with today, but there was no difference when it came to the quality of political dialogue.

"Daily political battle may be fierce, but when national interests and key issues are at stake as independence was then or the combat against the epidemic is now, it would be in order to stand more united," said Janša, who served as defence minister 30 years ago.

Listing Slovenia's key achievements over the past 30 years, he noted Slovenia's being recognised as the world's 5th safest country, as well as becoming part of the EU, NATO, Schengen etc. "We're living in an exceptionally favourable environment historically," he said.

Janša: EU Should Do More to Face Threat from China in Wide-Ranging Interview, in English, on Indian TV (Full Video)

Asked about the national recovery and resilience plan, Janša said the funds from the recovery fund would provide a big stimulus but Slovenia would need to create the bulk itself.

It is important "what and where we invest in", he said, holding out high hopes for the Digitalisation Council. If its plan of measures is realised, "Slovenia will be digital and much ahead of some other countries," said the prime minister.

The measure of success of Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the EU would be to "move what can be moved", noting absence of consensus over enlargement to the Western Balkans.

"If the EU does not expand, someone else will," he repeated, pointing to the influence of Russia and China in the region.

"The EU must decide whether to pursue the strategic goal it has set for itself or else this will be an unfinished project where there will be an elite club of countries and a periphery where various factors will be in conflict. I'm not for such a scenario."

Janša appealed to people again to get vaccinated against Covid-19, saying the proportion of the population's immunisation through vaccination in Slovenia and elsewhere would have to be raised to have a semblance of normality and in-class school in the autumn.

He does not think vaccination communication was a problem. "The problem is, though, that the epidemic was exploited to try to bring down the government, which was the main reason that some measures were not accepted in a united fashion."

Asked about obstacles in the appointment of Slovenia's European delegated prosecutors, Janša said it was a topic that only got publicity in Slovenia.

Asked about unlawful suspension of financing of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), Janša challenged his TV Slovenija host: "Do you have a court judgement saying the government is violating laws?".

He said the government "secured funds in line with a law that was passed against our will. For the funds to be paid out, a contract will have to be signed and invoices sent."

He said STA director Bojan Veselinovič was a political appointee, accusing him of not wanting to sign a contract with the Government Communication Office and making a political scandal out of it, something that he said "all of you are helping him with".

22 Jun 2021, 10:01 AM

Constitutional Court Defends Right to Family Life in Residence Permit Case

STA, 21 June 2021 - The Constitutional Court has taken a position that turning down a foreigner's application for a residence permit in the country of residence of their close relatives could interfere with the person's right to family life even when that person committed a crime.

The court adopted the position in granting an appeal by a woman whose application for her husband to be granted an extension of the residence permit was rejected.

In a judgement announced on Monday, the court said it had deliberated on the applicant's appeal from the aspect of the right to family life and the principle of best interest of the child.

The court took the decision based on case law of the European Court of Human Rights and of Slovenia.

It thus annulled the relevant decisions by the Administrative Court, Interior Ministry and the Administrative Unit, which the petitioner appealed, and returned the application to be handled anew by the Administrative Unit.

The court said that in all decisions affecting children, their best interest should be given a key weight. Even though the best interest of children cannot be decisive as such, it has a major weight in deliberation.

The decision by the first instance body was annulled mainly because it failed to give due weight to the best interest of underage children. Since the shortcoming was not tackled by the body of second instance and the Administrative Court, they too violated the applicant's human rights to family life and children's rights.

22 Jun 2021, 04:30 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Tuesday, 22 June 2021

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

EU sanctions targeting Lukashenko regime's wallets, says Logar

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - As EU foreign ministers endorsed an extension of sanctions against Belarus in Luxembourg, Slovenia's Anže Logar said economic sanctions over repression in Belarus targetted the wallets of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The EU endorsed today the fourth package of sanctions against individuals and legal entities responsible for repression, and the ministers backed a fifth package - sectoral sanctions that the EU is to adopt by the weekend summit, Logar told Slovenian Brussels-based reporters in a virtual briefing.

Janša describes political unity 30 years ago as bad myth

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša described arguments about political unity over Slovenia's independence 30 years ago as a "bad myth" in an interview with the public broadcaster ahead of the 30th anniversary of independence, but acknowledged the people's unity as the key factor to the step. Listing Slovenia's key achievements over the past 30 years, he noted Slovenia's being recognised as the world's 5th safest country, as well as becoming part of the EU, NATO, Schengen etc. "We're living in an exceptionally favourable environment historically."

EU Parliament vice-president says Slovenia can push forward EU priorities

LJUBLJANA - First Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said in an interview with the STA ahead of her visit to Slovenia that the country could push forward the EU priorities over the next six months as it assumes the EU presidency. Metsola also stressed as important the Conference on the Future of Europe, where sees the need to "strengthen the EU in a very, very fragile situation". She is due to meet in Slovenia on Tuesday several senior officials, including Speaker Igor Zorčič and PM Janez Janša.

Army membership planned to be increased to 10,000 by 2035

LJUBLJANA - The Defence Ministry presented a long-term programme for the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) that envisages a different structure, organisation and equipping, an overhaul of the system of military education and training and a financial framework for realising these plans. The number of SAF members is expected to gradually rise to 10,000 by 2035. Defence Ministry State Secretary Uroš Lampret said the key systemic measures in the programme through 2035 included more modern military capabilities, and adjusting the scope, structure and organisation of the SAF by creating a core of priority forces.

Minister Cigler Kralj signs Lisbon declaration on homelessness

LISBON, Portugal - Janez Cigler Kralj, Slovenia's minister in charge of social affairs and equal opportunities, signed the Lisbon declaration on the European platform on combatting homelessness, as he attended a high-level conference on homelessness organised by Portugal's EU presidency and the European Commission in Lisbon. The declaration was signed by representatives of EU member states, the Commission and Parliament and other institutions in a bid to eradicate homelessness by 2030. Cigler Kralj also met his Portuguese counterpart Ana Mendes Godinho and the chair of the steering board of the European platform on combatting homelessness Yves Leterme.

Idea of European institute of constitutional democracy discussed in parliament

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary EU Affairs Committee hosted a debate on the future of governance in the EU as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, with jourists floating an idea to found a European institute of constitutional democracy. Jurist Peter Jambrek said it would focus on fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. He said Conference on the Future of Europe debates called for "some operational strategy" which Slovenia could put forward to the EU as a normative framework. He said three projects could help implement Slovenia's visions: the institute, "elements for a draft of a potential new constitution", and reviving the idea of a European demos or people.

Investors being presented Slovenia's debut sustainability bond

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia presented the framework for its first sustainability bond to investors in a global call today, to be followed by one-on-one calls with interested investors on Tuesday, the Finance Ministry announced. Depending on the market situation, the first ever euro sustainability bond may be issued after the calls are completed. The government announced it had named a taskforce to consider issuing a green, social or sustainability bond in mid-May.

Top court defends right to family life in residence permit case

LJUBLJANA - The Constitutional Court has taken a position that turning down a foreigner's application for a residence permit in the country of residence of their close relatives could interfere with the person's right to family life even when that person committed a crime. The court adopted the position in granting an appeal by a woman whose application for her husband to be granted an extension of the residence permit was rejected, saying it had deliberated on the applicant's appeal from the aspect of the right to family life and the principle of best interest of the child.

SDS in the lead in two opinion polls

LJUBLJANA - The ruling Democrats (SDS) increased the lead in the latest Vox Populi monthly poll, gaining a percentage point compared to May to 19.1%. The SDS is followed by the opposition Social Democrats (SD), which have lost some ground. A poll commissioned by Nova24TV meanwhile suggests the left bloc would not benefit if Tomaž Vesel, the president of the Court of Audit, entered the election race with his own party, and the SDS would still win the vote. Were a potential Vesel-led list to appear in an election this Sunday, it would rank fourth with the poll giving it 6.5%.

Pahor proposes c-bank vice-governor, equal opportunities ombudsman be reappointed

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor proposed that the National Assembly to reappoint Irena Vodopivec Jean as a vice-governor of the Banka Slovenije central bank and Miha Lobnik as the head of the Advocate of the Principle of Equality institution. "After consultations with the heads of parliamentary deputy groups, it may be concluded that both candidates enjoy the required support of MPs," the president's office said. Vodopivec Jean term expires on 6 October and Lobnik's on 25 October.

Slovenian photographer badly injured in Flying Bulls Trojan crash

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Miro Majcen, a photographer working for the Slovenian news portal 24ur.com, was badly injured as a T-28B Trojan belonging to the Flying Bulls fleet crashed near the Czech town of Jickovice on Sunday, killing the pilot, the portal reported. He is being treated in a Prague hospital where he was taken by a helicopter, the Austrian press agency APA reported. No other details about his condition were available.

Two people in hospital after boating accident

VIDEM PRI PTUJU - Eleven people, including children, were swept into the water as two canoes overturned at the confluence of the rivers Dravinja and Drava close to the village of Dravci near Ptuj at around 7:40pm on Sunday. Firefighters provided first aid and two people were taken to hospital in Ptuj as a precautionary measure.

Zdravljica facsimile among EU presidency protocol gifts

LJUBLJANA - Participants of the events hosted by the Slovenian EU presidency may look forward to a number of protocol gifts, including facsimiles of France Prešeren's poem Zdravljica, cufflinks with a panther motif and smart water bottles. They will be presented to EU member state leaders, heads of EU institutions and other guests.

Hotel at Brdo pri Kranju welcomes first visitors after facelift

BRDO PRI KRANJU - What used to be Brdo Hotel at the Brdo pri Kranju estate reopened after renovation under a new name - Elegans Brdo Hotel. The EUR 11.5 investment was finished just in time for the start of the Slovenian EU presidency. The revamped hotel and Brdo estate will remain a tourist destination even after Slovenia's presidency stint ends, the JGZ Brdo State Protocol Services said in a press release.

Under 20 new infections recorded, three Covid-19 patients die

LJUBLJANA - Only 19 new coronavirus infections were recorded in Slovenia on Sunday in a total of 805 PCR tests, which is a significantly smaller number of infections compared to the week before. The positivity rate is also down slightly to 2.4%. Three Covid-19 patients died yesterday, show the latest statistics from the government.

Choice of Covid vaccines on offer across country

LJUBLJANA/MARIBOR... - As Covid-19 vaccine supply in Slovenia has outstripped demand, it is now possible to choose between different jabs while the government is also planning to set up mobile vaccination units to make vaccination even more accessible. Data from the Covid-19 tracker site shows Slovenia currently has about half a million unused doses of various vaccines, which is more than the number of those who have booked but are still waiting to get the jab.

Ljubljana struggling with high air pollution, says EEA

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Environment Agency (EEA) has launched the city air quality viewer, which has taken data from two Slovenian cities, Ljubljana and Maribor. The latest data show that the Slovenian capital is plagued by poor air quality, whereas the situation is a bit better in Slovenia's second largest city.

Changes to retail, public assembly, religious services kick in

LJUBLJANA - As the coronavirus situation in Slovenia is improving, some new rules kicked in for the retail and services sectors, public assembly and religious services. The latest relaxation affects shop, bar and restaurant opening hours, which are no longer restricted, even as rules on 10 square metres per customer remain in place. A new restriction was meanwhile introduced for public rallies and events featuring more than 100 participants, who need to be vaccinated, tested or reconvalescent. The new changes will be in place until 27 June.

National Museum opens Golden Trail exhibition to mark 200th anniversary

LJUBLJANA - To mark its 200th anniversary, the National Museum launched the Golden Trail exhibition, which features over 170 golden or gold-plated exhibits from its permanent collections as well as items from another 32 Slovenian museums. As the predecessor of the first Slovenian museum, the Provincial Museum of Carniola, which was established in 1821, the National Museum is not only celebrating its second centenary but also the historical role of all Slovenian museums in preserving the national heritage.

21 Jun 2021, 16:45 PM

Slovenia Has Surplus of COVID Vaccines, Choice Now Available, Mobile Units Planned to Increase Access

STA, 21 June 2021 - As Covid-19 vaccine supply in Slovenia has outstripped demand, it is now possible to choose between different jabs while the government is also planning to set up mobile vaccination units to make vaccination even more accessible.

Data from the Covid-19 tracker site shows Slovenia currently has about half a million unused doses of various vaccines, which is more than the number of those who have booked but are still waiting to get the jab.

Jelko Kacin, the national coordinator for vaccination logistics, told the STA another 120,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination arrived in Slovenia today with an additional 120,000 due in a week.

The government is also planning to organise mobile vaccination units, with details to be available after today's correspondence session.

Where Can I Get a COVID Test or Vaccine in Slovenia?

See here for the list of testing sites, with links to your local health centre (ZD - zdravstveni dom), where you should also be able to register for a vaccination

From today, those who have not yet received a shot, can choose between one of the four vaccines available in Slovenia - Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Johnson&Johnson when they apply for inoculation via the e-health portal zVem.

Moreover, some of the vaccination centres across the country already offer a choice of vaccines, and most have made it possible to get the jab without a prior appointment.

The largest vaccination centre, at the Ljubljana fairgrounds, will launch open mass vaccination on Tuesday, offering the Pfizer jab on Tuesday between 3pm and 7:30pm and Wednesday 9am-1pm, Moderna on Thursday at 3pm-5pm and Janssen on Thursday at 5pm-8pm.

No prior appointment is needed, while those interested are asked to book their time slot on the website of the Ljubljana Community Health Centre.

A choice of vaccines is this week also being made available in Maribor, Koper and Murska Sobota, among others.

The offer of a choice of jabs was announced by Prime Minister Janez Janša at the congress of his Democratic Party (SDS) on Saturday as he said the goal was to attain a vaccination rate that would allow a return to normal not just during the summer but also in the autumn.

Data from the National Institute of Public Health shows 799,226 people have received their first dose, and 594,862 have been fully inoculated, the later representing 28.3% of the population.

Apart from Janša, Health Minister Janez Poklukar too asked the population on Sunday to help the country reach herd immunity by getting vaccinated, appealing to everyone "to stand together to defeat not only the virus, but mainly our personal prejudice, misgivings and fears".

21 Jun 2021, 14:15 PM

Janša: EU Should Do More to Face Threat from China in Wide-Ranging Interview, in English, on Indian TV (Full Video)

STA, 20 June 2021 - Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša has told an Indian news channel that the EU has not done enough to limit the growing threat from China. He believes the EU has put its economic interests before its values.

In an interview the Wion news channel posted online on Saturday, Janša welcomed the conclusions on China adopted at the recent G7 summit and the recent NATO summit in Brussels, saying that "the freedom loving countries have started taking China seriously for the first time in all of its dimensions".

As for French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that China is no threat to the EU because the two do not share the border, Janša said "the world is globalised today and China is very present in Europe, it is also strongly present in our neighbourhood, in Africa, and in the Mediterranean".

China is a global power, a bigger challenge than Russia or some other countries, he said, adding that the EU, the US, India and some other countries must cooperate in their approaches to China.

Asked whether as the EU presiding country in the second half of 2021 Slovenia will make an effort for clarity in EU policy on China, Janša said he did not oppose doing business with China, but "I'm against crossing the lines", which are now being determined in the EU.

He also said that in the changing world order, India has an increasingly important role.

21 Jun 2021, 12:34 PM

Monday Sees Further Relaxation of COVID Rules for Stores, Bars, Restaurants, Night Clubs, & Churches

STA, 21 June 2021 - As the coronavirus situation in Slovenia is improving, some new rules are kicking in on Monday for the retail and services sectors, for public assembly and religious services.

The latest relaxation affects shop, bar and restaurant opening hours, which are no longer restricted, even as rules on 10 square metres per customer remain in place.

Hospitality is no longer limited to seating or to four persons per table, but tables must be at least three metres apart.

The only restriction regarding opening hours is for night clubs, which are allowed to operate from 5am to midnight after they have been closed throughout the epidemic.

Night club guests will, however, need a Covid certificate that shows they have been vaccinated, tested or have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months.

The same rule applies to visitors of casinos, hotel guests, visitors to indoor conventions and conferences, and restaurant patrons who wish to eat indoors.

The rule does not apply to persons under the age of 18 if accompanied by parents or legal guardians.

Mandatory testing for employees in many services activities remains in place, while casions can offer only 75% of their gaming facilities.

Masks remain obligatory indoors, all the other sanitation and disinfection rules are also still in place.

A new restriction was meanwhile introduced for public rallies and events featuring more than 100 participants, who need to be vaccinated, tested or reconvalescent.

Persons under 18 years old who attend the event with close family members, caretakers, school or any other institution are exempt from the rule.

Private gatherings of more than 50 people are still not allowed, except for close family members and if safety measures are adhered to.

The government meanwhile increased the number of persons allowed to gather for religious purposes to up to 100 with adherence to all safety measures, including a 1.5-metre distancing.

The latest changes were adopted on Thursday and will be in place until 27 June.

21 Jun 2021, 10:50 AM

Portorož Hosts European Congress of Mathematics, 20-26 June, Welcoming More than 1,700 International Mathematicians

STA, 20 June 2021 - Portorož is hosting the 8th European Congress of Mathematics from 20 to 26 June in a hybrid form. One of the world's major events of its kind will see more than 1,700 mathematicians from across the globe take part.

The majority of participants come from Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Spain and the UK with mathematicians from Russia, the US and China participating as well.

The larger portion of the congress will take place online, but as the coronavirus situation in Slovenia is normalising, part of the programme will be held in Portorož with more than 100 attendees.

The congress will host world-renowned mathematicians, including the winners of the Fields Medal and Abel Prize, two of the most prestigious awards in mathematics.

The programme will feature a series of small-scale symposiums, plenary and guest lectures, more than 100 articles are being presented and there are lectures open to public as well.

The organizer, the University of Primorska, highlighted Wednesday's lecture by the Abel Prize laureate Laszlo Lovasz and an interview with the president of the European Research Council Jean-Pierre Bouguignon, both of which will be available to the public via online streaming.

"It is the biggest science event of the year in Slovenia, which also brings some new features, for example working in small research groups. We have managed to attract a younger expert audience in addition to a higher percentage of women researchers," said Klavdija Kutnar, the chancellor of the university.

Learn more on the website or follow along on Facebook

21 Jun 2021, 04:22 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Monday, 21 June 2021

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

PM Janša says freedom-loving countries started taking China seriously

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša told the Indian news channel Wion on Saturday that the EU had not done enough to limit the growing threat from China. He believes the EU has put its economic interests before its values. Janša welcomed the conclusions on China adopted at the recent G7 summit and the recent NATO summit in Brussels, saying "the freedom loving countries have started taking China seriously for the first time in all of its dimensions". He also said China was a bigger challenge than Russia or some other countries, while the EU, the US, India and some other countries should cooperate in their approaches to it.

Expo brings long-term opportunities for Slovenia, its companies

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's Expo commissioner general Matic Volk has told the STA that over 70 Slovenian companies have already registered for Expo 2020 while the goal is to have more than 100, with at least 14 business delegations planned. Promotion of Slovenia and the companies will be enhanced with a range of events taking place at the Slovenian pavilion, including visits by senior politicians and other guests, among them athletes. Slovenia will also try to use to the maximum its EU presidency in July-December, also to host some of the EU events on the EU's day at the exhibition, Volk said in an interview with the STA.

Slovenian Press Agency marks 30th anniversary

LJUBLJANA - The STA celebrated its 30th anniversary with a ceremony in front of its headquarters in Ljubljana amid a rather uncertain financial situation to mark the day 30 years ago when it published its first news article. The agency started operating on 20 June 1991, just a few days before the declaration of Slovenia's independence, but is now faced with insolvency due to the government's refusal to provide the funds for the public service as set down by the law. "Unfortunately we are celebrating our 30th birthday in the most uncertain of times in the history of our media outlet," STA employees said in the statement read at the event. They pledged to continue to do their work professionally and not let be transformed into a PR service of any government.

Pride Parade highlights epidemic-related setbacks for LGBTIQ+ community

LJUBLJANA - The LGBTIQ+ community staged the Pride Parade in Ljubljana on Saturday afternoon under the slogan Resist the Oppression as a culmination of a week-long festival, demanding freedom, equality and unconditional respect for human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons as well as highlighting the adverse consequences of the coronavirus epidemic for the community. The parade was for the first time accompanied by the Balkan Trans Intersex March, which pointed to issues faced by members of the transgender, intersex and non-normative sexuality communities.

Slovenia reports 26 new Covid infections, no deaths for Saturday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 26 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, down by over 70% from the week before as a weeks-long decline continues. No patient with Covid-19 died, in what is the second day this week without Covid deaths, the latest government data show. The new cases come from nearly 1,060 PCR tests, for a positivity rate of 2.5%. The rolling seven-day average of daily cases declined to 76 from Friday and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 population dropped to 75.

Portorož hosting European Congress of Mathematics

PORTOROŽ - More than 1,700 mathematicians from across the globe will take part in the 8th European Congress of Mathematics, which started in Portorož and is organised by the University of Primorska. The majority of participants come from Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Spain and the UK with mathematicians from Russia, the US and China participating as well. One of the world's major events of its kind will be held in a hybrid form until 26 June.

20 Jun 2021, 19:25 PM

Slovenia’s Heatwave to Continue, as Ljubljana Sees First "Tropical Night" of 2021

STA, 20 June 2021 - Sunday marks the peak of this year's first heatwave in Slovenia, with several more days with similar temperatures - from 30 and 35 degrees Celsius - to follow before temperatures fall a bit on Thursday, a meteorologist at the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO), told the STA on Sunday.

Ljubljana had the first tropical night this year - meaning the mercury did not fall below 20 degrees during the night, while some more are to come, at least in Ljubljana, he said.

The hot spell is posing considerable heat stress during the day, especially in low-laying areas in central and eastern Slovenia.

Some reprieve can be expected from Thursday to Saturday, when the temperatures will slightly drop, said Strajnar.

The likelihood of storms is currently meagre, with some short-lived storms possible in the mountainous areas and in the north-west of the country, he added.

Due to the great heat stress, ARSO issued an orange warning for entire Slovenia until Wednesday midnight, except for the north-west, for which a milder, yellow warning is in place.

Just like yesterday, the concentrations of ozone in the western Goriška area exceeded the set threshold, and can irritate the mucous membrane and respiratory organs.

People with chronic respiratory or blood circulation conditions are advised to stay indoors, while healthy people are not advised to engage in physical activities.

A similar situation in expected tomorrow, ARSO said.

Ljubljana Predicted to Be World’s Fastest-Warming City

20 Jun 2021, 15:43 PM

What Mladina & Demokracija Are Saying This Week: Govt Undignified vs Liberal Immorality

The covers and editorials from leading weeklies of the Left and Right for the work-week ending Friday, 18 June 2021. All our stories about coronavirus and Slovenia are here

Mladina: Government Undignified

STA, 18 June - Mladina says in its latest editorial that the appointment of the new Justice Minister represents another example of the undignified and indecent practices of the current government, which have become a constant feature.

"This is definitely not the first time that a candidate for a ministerial post was revealed to be unsuitable, but until now, prime ministers have usually acknowledged that a new minister really can't come into office with that kind of baggage", the left-leaning weekly says under the headline So Undignified.

Referring to the newly appointed Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič, Mladina says that "the candidate's past suggests that he should not be appointed to an important public office," as some media reported on his alleged involvement in suspicious insolvency proceedings and tax evasion through shell companies.

Mladina adds that "this last example is just one of many indecencies; they have become a permanent feature of this government, which is why it is so insensitive to this behaviour, and why the citizens have become slightly numb too."

"But this is a typical feature of the cronyism we are witnessing, so characteristic of contemporary Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Cronies, friends and colleagues hold power, working within and around political parties, which are actually just a cover for business, profits and the spilling over of money and power into private hands."

Mladina says the current coalition was formed on the basis of the same indecency, shown by certain political parties that distinctly claimed they would not support this type of regime before the last election.

The weekly adds that MPs are perfectly aware of what they are doing by enabling and supporting the current government, and that the voters know that as well.

"Slovenians have experienced the ugly side of socialism and these types of authority figures, who are frustrated by nothing more than decency, politeness, consistency and pride."

"That's how it is today, and that is why they are behaving that way, starting with the prime minister. They are arrogant and aggressive, because they cannot pull us into their world," concludes the commentary.

Demokracija: One-sided "quasi-liberal" morality

STA, 17 June 2021 - The right-wing weekly Demokracija says in its latest editorial that there is but a few of moral authorities left whom one could trust as traditional values are being undermined and destroyed. Any deviation from quasi-liberal norms is considered a totalitarian move, says the weekly on Thursday.

"Nowadays, everything is upside down. An invasion of progressivism has caused moral disintegration and views by individuals, whom activist media with an agenda describe as esteemed and nearly infallible, fit perfectly a quasi-liberal perspective of the world.

"Literally every departure from this linear party line is labelled a departure towards totalitarianism. What follows is intimidation and media mob attacks," writes editor-in-chief Jože Biščak.

He decries Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović's memorandum on the situation of Slovenian media, regretful that he participated in talks that served as the basis for the report as he thinks the document is biased and has left out the side of the story presented by him and his conservative peers.

In the world of this quasi-liberalism, "two plus two is never (again) four, but an arbitrary result that fits their views", says the commentary under the headline What is Actually 2 + 2?

Biščak also comments on a recent statement by four oversight institutions calling for respect for independent state bodies, saying that these four institutions "have become a smelly swamp precisely because of the people that lead them".

The signatories of the statement "belong among viruses that under the cover of appeals for respect for democratic rules spread a pandemic of a new ideologically-motivated morality that is against the current centre-right government and paves the way for [Court of Audit president Tomaž] Vesel into politics".

All our posts in this series are here

News

Where Can I Get a COVID Test or Vaccine in Slovenia?

Mladina: Government Undignified

Demokracija: One-sided "quasi-liberal" morality

Editorial

Gourmet

Photo of the Month

Photo galleries and videos

Real Estate in Slovenia