STA, 2 November 2020 - Four opposition parties accused the government at an ongoing emergency parliament session on Monday of brutal staffing and of undermining the independence of sovereign institutions, but the government insisted that the replacements had been legal and that having the right personnel was crucial for effective work.

Nik Prebil of the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), which demanded the session along with the SocDems (SD), Left and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB), expressed indignation over what he sees as an excessive amount of replacements at key posts, which on top of that come amid a health crisis.

Speaking of an attempt to change society and undermine democratic standards, he highlighted replacements in the police force, in particular at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in the Armed Forces, at both intelligence agencies, the Statistics Office and at the Financial Administration.

His LMŠ colleague Brane Golubović said the government was "exploiting the epidemic to settle accounts with anyone disagreeing with it". Institutions are being subjugated in particular "where investigations need to be stopped", with servility being prioritised over competences in the appointments.

The Left's Nataša Sukič accused the government of authoritarian tendencies, arguing the Left did not accept the view that each government can appoint submissive staff to government agencies. Some should stay independent, she said.

Boštjan Koražija, also an MP for the Left, said that "when Janez Janša rules, experts need to become subservient to politics". He added that the extensive replacements did not help people feel secure during a health crisis.

Government representatives and the opposition National Party (SNS) rejected the accusations, with Interior Minister Aleš Hojs expressing surprise over the opposition calling an emergency session because the government was simply doing its job. He argued it was crucial that the right staff occupied certain posts.

Defence Ministry State Secretary Uroš Lampret defended the replacement at the ministry, including of the chief of staff and the OVS intelligence and security agency, saying they were completely in line with the practice so far.

Lampret added trust and compatibility with the minister were important due to the sensitive nature of these posts.

Economy Ministry State Secretary Ajda Cuderman touched on the reproaches concerning the planned merger of several regulators into two agencies, assuring parliament that none of the current directors of the eight agencies would have to end their term prematurely because of the merger but would continue their work at one of the new agencies.

Democrat (SDS) MP Branko Grims said denying the government the right to make legal replacements, to appoint competent people able of pursing beneficial politics, was perverted.

Dušan Verbič of the Modern Centre Party (SMC) added former prime ministers had done so too, while Blaž Pavlin of New Slovenia (NSi) pointed to Janša's predecessor Marjan Šarec directly saying staffing changes were needed for any change to take place.

"Some of us speak about this openly and transparently, while some are hiding behind all kinds of masks of alleged neutrality," Pavlin added.

Meanwhile, Maša Kociper of the opposition SAB agreed that governments usually appointed people they trusted. However she added that what stood out under the current government were appointments of individuals with extremely clear political affiliation.

Predrag Baković of the SocDems moreover disagreed with the argument the replacement had been legal, pointing to a court verdict that explicitly declared the dismissal of Darko Muženič as NBI head illegal.

The opposition MPs drew up a number of recommendations, which for instance call on the government to focus on the health crisis and refrain from political interference in the sovereignty and professional work of state institutions. The National Assembly will not vote on them, since they were already rejected last week by the Home Affairs Committee.

Today's session is the first ever with the option of remote participation due to the epidemic, but only one MP, Samo Bevk of the SocDems, has made use of this possibility.

STA, 2 November 2020 - Slovenia's Ana Belac has won the women's Carolina Classic golf tournament to achieve by far the greatest success for Slovenian golf ever and come very close to making it to the world elite in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

The 23-year-old Portorož native finished first at the US$200,000 tournament in the Pinehurst resort near Fayetteville, North Carolina, in what is her first season among professional female golfers.

Belac led at the tournament from start to finish, leaving the closest competitor, Allison Emrey of the US, four shots behind.

With the first title for Slovenian golf at professional tournaments, she has taken the second place in the overall rankings of the Symetra Tour, which is the entry point for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

Belac's result is seen as an exceptional achievement in the Symetra Tour, as this was only her eighth tournament among professionals since she finished her studies at Duke University in April.

After Saturday's win, Belac told the STA that making it to the LPGA Tour was only the first of her career goals, as the final one is to become the best female golfer in the world.

While virtually securing a ticket for the LPGA Tour, where an average prize money for a single tournament is US$2 million, she has also been invited to the US Open championship in Houston in December.

"I wanted to win and I knew I could win. This time I practically played on the home court, on which I have trained a lot with the university, so I was more confident and determined to show what I can do," Belac added.

One of the three Slovenian women with the status of professional golf player, along Katja Pogačar and Pia Babnik, who mostly play in Europe, was not bothered by the strong wind and rain in the last two days of the tournament.

"Other players were complaining over the conditions in which they had to play, while I enjoyed myself and played my game. The experience from Europe, meaning the bora wind around Lipica, where I started my golf career, certainly helped me."

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: 

25 Covid-19 patients die as hospitalisations keep rising

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's death toll from Covid-19 rose to 388 after 25 more patients died on Sunday. There were 557 new cases from 2,244 tests, as the share of positive tests declined to just under 25%, however government coronavirus spokesman Jelko Kacin warned that Sunday data were atypical. Covid-19 hospitalisations rose to 868, of whom 135 are in intensive care. The rolling 14-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents rose to 1,075 and the number of active cases to 22,521. Epidemiologist Irena Grmek Košnik warned the third wave of coronavirus was expected during the flu season in late December.

Opposition speaks of brutal staffing, govt finds it legal and vital

LJUBLJANA - The four centre-left opposition parties accused the government of brutal staffing and of undermining the independence of sovereign institutions as the National Assembly held a session on the topic at their behest. While the opposition sees the replacements as guided primarily by party affiliation and servility as opposed to competence and as excessive and inappropriate during a health crisis, the government and coalition parties insisted that the replacements had been legal, were normal under all governments and that having the right personnel was crucial for effective work.

US ambassador says good relations with Slovenia to remain priority

LJUBLJANA - Good relations with Slovenia will remain a priority for the US regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's presidential election, US Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda Blanchard said in a video address, published on the embassy's Twitter. "The importance of our defence relationship, drive to strengthen economic ties, and ever-expanding cooperation and collaboration between the people of our two countries will remain at the forefront," the ambassador said.

Slovenian SocDems hope for Donald Trump's defeat

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Social Democrats (SD) discussed the US election's ramification's for the world, with MP Matjaž Nemec saying Donald Trump's challenger Joe Biden's win would mean a change for the better in terms of democracy, dialogue and multilateralism. He believes this will be a watershed election also because Trump's victory would give populists in Europe fresh momentum. Jernej Štromajer, who works for the SD deputy group and holds a PhD in American studies, believes the election will be foremost a referendum on Trump and his rule. "Biden's greatest advantage is that he is not Trump," he said. Research fellow Nina Pejič believe no significant change in US foreign policy could be expected with Biden as president, although she thinks Trump will win.

Bankers discuss path from crisis to sustainability

LJUBLJANA - The need to direct the recovery measures for the current crisis towards socially responsible and sustainable development and the crucial role of banks in this endeavour was at the centre of this year's Day of Slovenian Bankers event, held online. Stanislava Zadravec Caprirolo, the head the Bank Association, pointed to the drastic shift from discussions about trade wars, Brexit, economic slowdown, unsustainable pollution and inequality growth at the start of the year to current debates on the preservation of job and liquidity. Along with central bank governor Boštjan Vasle, she noted a favourable liquidity situation in Slovenia. Vasle also praised fiscal measures, in particular the moratorium on loan payments.

RTV Slovenija director general stays on

LJUBLJANA - The programme council of public broadcaster RTV Slovenija did not adopt a motion proposed by 13 councillors to dismiss director general Igor Kadunc. The 14:9 vote in favour was one vote short of the necessary majority on the 29-member council to dismiss him. The motion was put forward in October accusing Kadunc of working negligently and causing significant damage to RTV. They claimed he was responsible for RTV operating in the red between 2017 and 2019 and of failing to draw up a number of documents. Kadunc rejected all the allegations, saying the motive for the dismissal was changing editorial policy. Earlier in the day, the parliamentary Culture Committee discussed the dismissal attempt, with the left-leaning opposition parties arguing it was meant to facilitate the government's taking control of the public broadcaster, while the coalition MPs said the session was a form of pressure on RTV councillors not to sack Kadunc.

Public Health Institute gets EU funds to fight coronavirus

LJUBLJANA - The Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy approved almost EUR 6 million in EU funding to the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) for measures to fight the spread of coronavirus, including for support staff and equipment. The NIJZ will beef up epidemiological services by securing and training support staff, activating mobile teams and procuring office space and equipment. It will also raise awareness about preventing Covid-19 and support self-isolating individuals.

Employment prospects for 2021 fairly encouraging

LJUBLJANA - Job prospect projections in Slovenia for next year remain relatively encouraging despite the aggravated circumstances. A survey by the Employment Service suggests demand will exceed labour market supply in many professions, although the opposite is also possible for a long list of jobs. The Occupations barometer survey, which includes assessments for 177 professions, suggests demand will for instance exceed supply in healthcare, construction, transport, hospitality and in information technology.

Borzen gets new boss

LJUBLJANA - Martin Bratanič was appointed by the supervisory board as the new director general of power market operator Borzen, taking over on Sunday, 1 November. He came to Borzen from the Posavje regional development agency, which he led since 2010. He has also served as a supervisor of the SODO state-owned electricity distribution system operator since April. The top post at Borzen had been vacant since Karol Peter Peršolja resigned in September.

Food delivery platforms growing due to lockdown

LJUBLJANA - The closure of restaurants as part of the Covid-19 lockdown measures has resulted in a steep rise in turnover for food delivery platforms in Slovenia such as E-hrana and Wolt, whose couriers on bicycles can be seen buzzing around major Slovenian cities all the time. E-hrana, the Slovenian company started in 2011, covers more than 400 restaurants around the country, 150 of which have joined during the pandemic. Finland-based Wolt added 70 new restaurants from Ljubljana and Maribor in the second wave.

EasyJet not to fly to Ljubljana until next year

LJUBLJANA - EasyJet has postponed the resumption of scheduled flights to Ljubljana airport until next year due to the worsening coronavirus situation, according to a report by the Ex-Yu Aviation news portal. After a break in November, the British low-cost carrier had been planning to resume flights from London Gatwick to Ljubljana in December. The service has now been delayed until 1 January 2021. Air France announced yesterday it was suspending flights to Ljubljana starting from 7 November.

Libraries partly reopening

LJUBLJANA - Libraries are reopening after being exempt from lockdown restrictions. They will adjust their opening hours and the lending regime to the coronavirus situation in their town. Where the number of active cases is not very high, libraries will operate normally, while elsewhere contactless book checkouts and returns will be introduced. The head of the Slovenian libraries' association, Vesna Horžen, urged readers to check the opening hours and regime of their library before visiting.

Ana Belac attains greatest achievement for Slovenian golf ever

CHARLOTTE, US - Ana Belac won the women's Carolina Classic golf tournament on Saturday in what is by far the greatest success for Slovenian golf ever. By winning the US$200,000 tournament four shots ahead of the American Allison Emrey, the 23-year-old Portorož-born golfer came very close to making it to the world elite in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), having taken second place in the overall rankings of the Symetra Tour, the entry point for the LPGA.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

Slovenian cycling sensation Primož Roglič is still on track to defend his Vuelta a Espana title despite giving up the leader’s red jersey following a difficult mountainous stage 12 on Sunday.

The Team Jumbo-Visma captain has been in impressive form so far in Spain, donning the iconic race leader’s jersey on seven of the days raced so far, his three stage wins cementing his favourite tag as he looks to repeat his Grand Tour victory of last year.

Sunday’s Stage 12 route was deemed the toughest of the 2020 Vuelta, and with good reason: the challenging 109.4km route from Pola de Laviana to Alto de L’angliru included five categorised climbs, the last involving a gruelling 23.5% ascent.

Roglič began the day in red, yet had the same overall time as Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz from Team Ineos Grenadiers from whom he had re-taken the red jersey two days prior.

A 20-man breakaway surged ahead in the early stages of the day’s race, yet were given a maximum three-minute lead before being reeled in by the peloton at the foot of the stage’s final climb.

Britain’s Hugh Carthy from Team Ef Pro Cycling, who started the day fourth overall, opened up a gap with 1.2km to the finish, the 26-year-old holding on to claim his first-ever Grand Tour stage victory.

Second-placed Carapaz still had energy in his legs to make a late dash towards the line, breaking away from Roglič as he crossed the finish 10 seconds ahead of his Slovenian rival.

Carapaz will take his narrow 10-second lead at the top into Monday’s rest day before heading into the last week of racing, starting with Tuesday’s 33.7km time-trial – a discipline usually favoured by former ski-jumper Roglič, who still tops the green jersey points rankings, a healthy 43 points ahead of Carapaz.

“It was too hard a climb for a sprinter,” the Slovenian star said after the day’s stage. “I didn’t have the best day but in the end it’s okay. I’m happy with this result and we go on with the time-trial on Tuesday. It will be a hard one. I will do my best and we’ll see how things are after the time-trial.”

Following Tuesday’s individual time-trial, three days of hilly racing follows, before a final mountain stage on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s final flat stage into Madrid.

Vuelta A Espana Leader Board After Stage 12 (Sunday, 1 November):

1. Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers): 48h 29' 27''
2. Primož Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma): + 00h 00' 10''             -
3. Hugh John Carthy (Ef Pro Cycling): + 00h 00' 32''
4. Daniel Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation): + 00h 00' 35''
5. Enric Mas (Movistar Team): + 00h 01' 50''
6. Wouter Poels (Bahrain-Mclaren): + 00h 05' 13''
7. Felix Grossschartner (Bora-Hansgrohe): + 00h 05' 30''
8. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team): + 00h 06' 22''
9. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana Pro Team): + 00h 06' 41''
10. Mikel Nieve (Mitchelton-Scott): + 00h 06' 42''

Dyslexia week was in October, when this story was supposed to run, but take too much work, add a little kitten and set against a background of all the news in the world, and things get forgotten.

Luckily, the KOBI app isn’t a time limited offer, but a full made in Slovenia tool to help children with reading difficulties. Intended for those aged 6 to 12, it provides an essential suite of tools, including the proven technique of coloured letters,  to help poor readers (re)gain confidence and independence, and learn to love the worlds opened up by books. 

We got in touch with the team behind KOBI, and they were kind enough to answer our questions

What problem does the app address?

Reading is still the foundation of learning and everyday communication. Many intelligent children with reading difficulties fail to acquire sufficient reading  fluency to succeed academically and even have problems in everyday life. Research has shown that a lot of psychological issues in children and even a large portion of minor suicides stem in learning difficulties. Moreover, when a child is not learning to read as expected this oftentimes becomes a source of conflict between the parents and the school, which leads to an even more stressful environment for the child.

Our clients are thus parents of children with moderate to severe reading problems between the ages of 6 to 12. The school system requires parents to read with their child, but does not direct them how best to do this.

And here we should not that we’re talking about children who don’t like to read. Reading is painful for them. Even short sessions often end with anger, stubbornness and tears. Their parents are looking for ways to motivate and make reading easier. There is still a stigma attached to the problem of learning to read, which is why parents and schools often wait until problems become intolerable. 

In contrast, we’re positioned in the “early aid” segment. Our solution does not require any diagnostics because it supports the learning process as it happens with all children. It therefore closes the gap between the first signs of problems and the conclusion of a typically long lasting diagnostic process.

Learning to read is a tough job. It requires a lot of repetition, training and patience. We believe that parents and educators must work hand in hand to support a child as long as it is necessary to gain this skill of life-long importance. And as any skill you only master it by doing it. 

KOBI is focusing on reading connected text, which is a crucial part of the learning to read. Many parents cannot afford to hire a professional tutor and thus they are challenged to become reading tutors themselves. They need evidence-based, easy to use, efficient solutions, that can be adopted to any reading curriculum.

So how does KOBI it work?

KOBI is a mobile app. You install it on your phone or preferably tablet. You can pick a book from our growing library or simple take pictures of a book you have at hand. Then you let your child choose modifications of the text. The main feature of  KOBI are the “coloured letters”. 

By giving a certain colour to a letter or letter combination the brain receives additional sensory input that helps the child with some specific issues. For example, one of the things kids struggle with are so-called letter reversals. They mix up similar shapes such as b/d/p/q, u/n, e/a. However, with colours the brain can very quickly learn that a b is red, so the problem is solved. Since letter reversals are a developmental issue it will disappear with time, but in the meantime the use of colour will prevent a lot of frustration, and help the child to read more fluently.

KOBI also has tools such as focus frame and word-to-speech, and it tracks the reading practice. All these tools together help the child and keep them motivated, so they continue to improve

What special features does it have compared to the competition?

Overall, the key advantage of KOBI is its mix of functionalities and the fact that it can be used to support any school curriculum. Selective colouring of letters is one of the unique features, and while the interface is in four languages – English, Slovene, Spanish and Dutch – but you can import books in any western language. The interface that’s used by the child is completely icon-based, and can be easily operated by a seven year old.

How is it being used in the real world?

In Slovenia KOBI has already been widely adopted  by special education teachers and, of course, parents. Abroad it’s mainly used in a home setting to help with reading practice, required reading materials or simply to adjust any materials that the child would like to read but the print is not suitable. The letters are too small, for example.

What feedback have you had from users?

Users tell us that KOBI is a game changer for children who struggle with letter reversals, as well as lack of motivation for reading. Parents get very emotional when they see that their child can not only suddenly read, but wants to read. Still, the secret of success here is perseverance and grit. Learning to read requires a lot of practice, especially for kids, even with the support of technology.

Who works at the company?

There are four cofounders. Andrej Peršolja, with a background in journalism and who is responsible for content and growth, Marko Fornazarič, our all-round developer, Auke Touwslager, designer and visionary, and Ursula Lavrenčič, a designer who five years ago took a deep dive into the pedagogics of reading.

What's next for KOBI?

We have many goals ahead. We are working on the next big update of the product, putting in everything we have learned. We are fine-tuning the business model and target number one is to get a foothold in English-speaking markets. Our mission is to build a product that will be in the toolkit of every family of a child who struggles with learning to read, and to help them become enthusiastic, independent readers.

You can find out more about the app, and download it for Apple or Android devices, here, with the website offered in English, Slovenian, Spanish and Dutch. You can also follow the project on Facebook

STA, 2 November 2020 - A total of 25 patients with Covid-19 died in Slovenia on Sunday. There were 557 new coronavirus cases from 2,244 tests, show official government data. Hospitalisations continued to rise.

The number of tests was significantly smaller than a week ago, reflecting the decision by epidemiologists to reduce testing to focus on the most vulnerable groups. The share of positive tests declined to just under 25% from almost 28% on Saturday.

Jelko Kacin, the government's Covid-19 spokesman, told the press on Monday that the figures showed government measures had been timely, but he stressed that Sunday figures in general were atypical. He said it would probably take until Wednesday to see whether and how the curve is flattening.

There are currently 868 patients in hospital compared to 821 yesterday, as 113 new patients were admitted and 50 were discharged from hospital. 135 are in intensive care, up from 131.

Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Kacin said the pressure on hospitals remained severe. Marko Vogrin, the medical director of UKC Maribor, added that the number of hospitalisations would continue to rise in the coming days, with health staff exhausted.

Leon Cizelj, the head of the reactor technology department at the Jožef Stefan Institute and author of an influential model of the epidemic, told the STA yesterday that hospitalisations were expected to peak at around 960 towards the end of this week, while ICU admissions are expected to reach a record of roughly 245 in mid-November.

On the brighter side, an X-ray machine that was moved from the Role field hospital to the outdoor premises of UKC Ljubljana's Infectious Diseases Clinic this weekend will facilitate safer and quicker treatment of Covid-19 patients, said Dimitrij Kuhelj, the head of the hospital's radiology department.

Chest radiograph can be used to diagnose or monitor Covid-19 pneumonia, noted Kuhelj. UKC Ljubljana currently treats some 200 Covid-19 patients.

Slovenia has so far recorded 388 Covid-19 deaths, while the number of positive cases has been 36,206, according to data by the tracker Covid-19 Sledilnik.

The 14-day increase in new cases per 100,000 population, a benchmark widely used in the EU, rose to 1,075, while the number of active cases increased to 22,521.

Third Covid-19 wave to hit in late December

STA, 2 November 2020 - The third wave of coronavirus infections is expected during the flu season at the end of December, said epidemiologist Irena Grmek Košnik on Monday, adding that the influenza period usually lasted until March or April.

"The third wave will be very challenging since doctors will not know whether the patient has the flu or Covid-19. Given that, flu vaccination is of vital importance," said Grmek Košnik, an epidemiologist with the Kranj unit of the National Institute of Public Health, at the government coronavirus briefing.

The epidemiological situation in the Gorenjska region remains poor because as much as 85% of Covid-19 patients there have had a mild case of the disease and felt well, meaning the virus had spread more easily.

Another reason for such an extensive spread of the virus in the region is private gatherings. Moreover, people who had been in close contact with the infected continued to go to work since there was no system of pay compensation in place in such cases between 12 October and last week, said the epidemiologist.

The situation has taken a turn for the better though including due to stricter measures, she added. This was also echoed by Jelko Kacin, the government spokesman, who said the region's infection curve was flattening out.

Regarding two cases of a repeat coronavirus infection in Gorenjska, Grmek Košnik said that further research was needed. Antibodies last for three months after the infection, according to the latest findings, however relevant research is on-going.

Grmek Košnik noted that the role of coronavirus superspreaders had been overlooked. Everybody could be a superspreader, she said, adding that contact tracing app #OstaniZdrav (#StayWell) should thus become mandatory.

Next week, additional rapid antigen tests and contact tracing protocols will help determine superspreaders as well, she told the briefing.

All our stories on covid and Slovenia

STA, 2 November 2020 - The closure of restaurants as part of the Covid-19 epidemic lockdown measures has resulted in a steep rise in turnover for food delivery platforms such as E-hrana and Wolt, whose couriers on bicycles can be seen buzzing around major Slovenian cities all the time.

Slovenia's E-hrana, which was established in 2011, currently covers more than 400 restaurants around the country, 150 of which have joined during the coronavirus epidemic. New restaurants are being added to the list virtually on a daily basis.

"In the first wave, several restaurants decided to temporarily close their doors, while now the majority of restaurants have persisted and are trying to stay afloat with the home delivery system," the company has told the STA.

Since the latest lockdown, the number of restaurants which use E-hrana couriers has increased by around 30%, and the company has also expanded to Celje, which has joined the country's largest cities Ljubljana and Maribor.

The platform also allows restaurants which have their own delivery staff to receive online orders through E-hrana, meaning that its users from all around the country can get restaurant food delivered to their doorstep.

E-hrana processes a few thousand orders on a daily basis, and has more than 240,000 registered users. "The number of daily registered users has increased four-fold during the lockdown," the company said.

The significant increase in the number of orders is also attributed to the cold and wet weather, "which is when our season peaks anyway".

The Finland-based Wolt has also seen increased interest in its platform, including from various shops. During the second wave, the company has added 70 new restaurants from Ljubljana and Maribor to its list, which compares to 60 during the spring wave.

Wolt has also decided to help restaurants whose turnover has dropped with the lockdown. "In the coming weeks, we will select every week ten restaurants to deliver from free of charge," said the company which currently serves 330 restaurants.

Over the summer, the company was also looking for partners in shops which sell food and drink and other products, and now Wolt is also able to deliver to customer's homes products such as flour, light bulbs, products for childcare, electronics or washable masks.

While it currently covers only Ljubljana and Maribor, Wolt plans to expand to other cities as demand is growing. It is constantly opening new jobs and increasing the number of couriers, while also employing people in customers support, sales and marketing.

STA, 2 November 2020 - Job prospect projections in Slovenia for next year remain relatively encouraging despite the aggravated circumstances. A survey by the Employment Service suggests demand will exceed labour market supply in many professions, although the opposite is also possible for a long list of jobs.

The Occupations barometer survey, which includes assessments for 177 professions, suggests demand will for instance exceed supply in healthcare, construction, transport, hospitality, and information technology.

There is however also a number of groups where supply could be excessive, including biologists, botanists, zoologists, journalists, sociologists, anthropologists, cashiers, business secretaries, window dressers, menial workers, legal experts, agriculture, forestry and fishing experts, philosophers, historians, political scientists, translators, interpreters, language assistants and other linguists, secretaries, photographers, shop assistants, telemarketers, graphic and multimedia designers and tourism and travel agency employees.

Compared to last years' survey, the first list contains 16 professions less, the balanced demand and supply list has 10 professions more, while the excessive supply list has six professions more.

The Employment Service highlighted shop assistants as the group whose prospects have deteriorated the most, having moved from the excessive demand to the excessive supply list.

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: 

Slovenia records 1,342 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, 25 people die

LJUBLJANA - There were 1,342 new Sars-CoV-2 infections confirmed in Slovenia on Saturday, a continuation of the slightly declining daily cases count, albeit on a slightly scaled down weekend testing figure of 4,807. The 28% positivity rate is on par with that seen in recent days. A record 25 fatalities were recorded, raising the death toll to 363. The number of hospitalised Covid-19 patients has increased by 5.4% to 821 and the number of those in intensive care by 7.4% to 131. The number of patients on ventilators grew by 5 to 70. Since the start of the epidemic Slovenia has recorded 35,649 cases, of which 22,501 are currently active, while the rolling 14-day average has increased by 2.8% 1,074 per 100,000 residents.

Slovenia honours All Saints' Day, fewer people visit cemeteries

LJUBLJANA - All Saints' Day, a public holiday, was honoured in Slovenia. Due to the epidemic, fewer people than usually visited cemeteries, with many already paying their respect in recent days. President Borut Pahor, accompanied by several senior state officials, attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial of Victims of All Wars in Ljubljana's Congress Square. The ceremony, scaled down due to the epidemic this year, also featured Parliament Speaker Igor Zorčič, National Council President Alojz Kovšca, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, Slovenian Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Robert Glavaš and acting Police Commissioner Andrej Jurič.

Ljubljana-Paris air link suspended after next week

BRNIK - Due to coronavirus restrictions, French carrier Air France has temporary suspended a number of flights in Europe, including flights to Slovenia scheduled between 7 November and 16 December. The last flights to Ljubljana airport will be executed on Monday and Thursday. Air France, which expects additional adjustments to its schedules will be made next week, recently announced a winter schedule that would initially have it fly to Slovenia three times a week and later again every day.

Cycling: Roglič concedes 10 sec and Vuelta leader's jersey to Carapaz

ALTO DE'L ANGLIRU - Slovenia's Primož Roglič fell back to second place overall at the Vuelta de Espana after the toughest stage of the Spanish race. He clocked in 10 seconds behind his main rival, fourth-placed Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz, with whom he was on neck-and-neck at the top of the general standings before stage 12. Victory in the 109.4 mountain stage went to British rider Hugh Carthy, who successfully attacked on the final climb to Alto de L'Angliru, which served up gradients up to 23%. Following a rest day on Monday, Tuesday will already bring the time trial and thus the main opportunity for Roglič, the defending Vuelta champion, to reclaim the red jersey from Carapaz.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

STA, 1 November 2020 - There were 1,342 new Sars-CoV-2 infections confirmed in Slovenia on Saturday, a continuation of the slightly declining daily cases count, albeit on a slightly scaled down weekend testing figure of 4,807. The 28% positivity rate is on par with that seen in recent days. A record 25 fatalities were recorded, raising the death toll to 363.

The number of hospitalised Covid-19 patients has increased by 5.4% to 821 and the number of those in intensive care by 7.4% to 131. The number of patients on ventilators grew by 5 to 70.

Since the start of the epidemic Slovenia has recorded 35,649 cases, of which 22,501 are currently active, while the rolling 14-day average has increased by 2.8% 1,074 per 100,000 residents, according to data tracker Covid-19 Sledilnik.

"The daily incidence is growing, but at a slower pace. Gorenjska remains the worst affected region," government spokesperson Jelko Kacin tweeted on Sunday.

All our stories on Slovenia and coronavirus – the most important is from a few days ago: Most anti-corona restrictions extended by a week, some by two weeks