STA, 16 August 2019 - Home appliances maker Gorenje, which terminated the contracts of 60 workers as part of reorganisation last month, has told the STA it was looking for about 100 new workers in production to meet increased demand.

Gorenje representative Denis Oštir said that the new workers would start already in September, would get fixed-term contracts and were needed in all of the company's production facilities in Velenje, mostly in the production of washing machines and driers.

Gorenje, which was taken over by China's Hisense last year, initially expected 270 workers would be made redundant at its parent company in Velenje, but ended up terminating a total of 60 contracts of employees working in back office jobs tied to production, such as storers and quality controllers.

Oštir told the STA that all had been offered employment in production, but only some of them accepted.

As part of reorganisational changes, which have been under way for some time, Gorenje has offered new contracts to a total of 1,393 back office employees, preserving existing wages and other rights.

Gorenje, which employs over 4,000 workers in Slovenia and abroad, recently announced that restructuring would not only be limited to the parent company and would also affect all subsidiaries and business units abroad.

The company has also announced it will build a new TV manufacturing plant that will employ 1,000 workers.

Keep up on business in Slovenia here

A 70% stake in Slovevenia’s biggest eyewear chain, the 26-branch Optika Clarus, has been purchased by Fielmann AG, a German firm that integrates design, manufacturing and retail, and is responsible for around half the spectacles sold in its home market.

Optika Clarus was founded in 1989 by Tihomir Krstič, who will keep a 30% share of the business and remain involved in its management, and there are plans to open more stores in the near future.

STA, 18 August - Nearly two thirds of Slovenians believe that the government is doing a good job, suggests the August Vox Populi, while the senior coalition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) remains at the top of party rankings.

Commissioned by public broadcaster TV Slovenija and the newspaper Dnevnik on a monthly basis, the survey shows that 59.2% of the 700 people who were surveyed believe the government is doing a good job. The figure is 1.3 percentage points lower than in July.

On the other hand, 35.2% believe the opposite, with the share up three percentage points compared to previous month. Nonetheless, the LMŠ remains at the top of the party rankings with a support of 22.2% of respondents. The opposition Democrats (SDS) are in second place with 15.5%.

The Social Democrats (SD) are third with 10%, followed by the Left with 6.2%. The rest of the parties all remain under the 4% threshold of the National Assembly.

Despite the high support for the LMŠ and the government, Prime Minister Marjan Šarec has been dethroned in the politicians' popularity ranking by President Borut Pahor. MEP Tanja Fajon is in place three, followed by MEP Ljudmila Novak.

The survey also asked respondents about what they believe would be the best measures by the EU to help countries cope with the migration crisis. 67.7% said the EU should help source countries address problems that force people to leave.

Just over 36% believe that the EU should provide incentives to countries that would hold migrants back from the bloc, in Turkey, the Western Balkans and North Africa.

Another 33.1% believe the EU should beef up the control of its external borders and 17.7% believe that migrants should be given the option to request a work permit before even setting foot in the EU.

Nearly 14% believe that the EU should increase control on its internal borders, while 8.7% said that they should be able to request asylum in the EU before arriving here.

Assessing the work of the police, 41.8% said the force was doing a good job, 44.8% said the police were partly successful and 8.4% said they were doing a poor job.

Nearly half of the respondent (49.6%) believe that incentives to establish ad hoc militias to protect the border were unwarranted and 44.2% believe the opposite.

All our stories on Slovenian politics are here

STA, 18 August 2019 - Slovenia's oldest town, Ptuj, will set the stage for the 23rd annual Days of Poetry and Wine (Dnevi Poezije in Vina) between 21 and 24 August, although the festival and accompanying events will spill over to 18 other towns in Slovenia and across the border.

The festival will feature 20 established poets from across the globe with Serbian poet Radmila Lazić and Chinese poet Bei Dao as the guests of honour and Germany as the country in focus.

Pre-festival poetry readings will start on Sunday, 18 August, in Petanjci in the Prekmurje region in the north-east, followed by an event in Ljutomer on Monday where poets participating in a poetry translation workshop will present their translations to the public.

The next day will see events in a number of villages and towns across the country, including an event at Ljubljana's riverside Špica and poetry reading on a boat on the river Ljubljanica.

The official opening in Ptuj on Wednesday will see Ilija Trojanow, the multi-award winning Bulgarian-German author, read his Open Letter to Europe.

"Trojanow is truly global citizen; being of Bulgarian descent, he writes in German, lives in Austria, grew up in South Africa and writes his poetry in English. His are in fact three mother tongues," says the festival director Aleš Šteger.

Since 2017 the festival has picked a prominent European thinker each year to write a letter reflecting on Europe, which is then sent to European institutions and published by various media. "We've been assured that it'll be translated into at least 12 languages," said Šteger.

A total of 60 events such as poetry readings, poetry duels, workshops for children, concerts, carnival promenades, art installations will be accompanied by a selection of finest wines.

For the first time the festival will feature readings by young authors and poetry for breakfast. In a first time it will also visit the Carthusian Monastery of Žiče.

Exceptional international poetry that comes to life in the intimate spaces of old gardens and squares attracts almost 10,000 visitors from Slovenia and abroad to the festival each year, the organizers say.

Most of the events are being held in Slovenian and English and all except for one are admission free. Proceeds from the tickets for the poetry duel will go to studio for young talents.

Since 2014, the festival has been part of the European poetry platform Versopolis, which is dedicated to the promotion of poetry internationally.

The full programme can be found here

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

A schedule of all the main events involving Slovenia this week can be found here

This summary is provided by the STA:

Ivan Oman, key independence figure, dies

LJUBLJANA - Ivan Oman, one of the key players of Slovenia's independence, died on Saturday aged 89. In the late 1980s he played an important role in the establishment of DEMOS, a coalition of newly-emerged centre-right parties that won the first multi-party election in Slovenia and paved the way for its breakaway from the former Yugoslavia. Top state officials, political parties and Church dignitaries expressed condolences and praised him as wise, a man who was aware of the importance of dialogue but who always followed his principles.

Slovenian, Austrian speakers propose countries examine their shared history

SALZBURG, Austria - Parliament Speaker Dejan Židan met his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka, with the pair proposing that the countries set up a mixed expert commission of historians to determine what the nations have in common and what divides them, according to a press release from the Austrian Parliament House. They agreed are to invite their respective academies of sciences and arts to establish this commission. They believe that the body's first meeting could take place already next year.

Gajser wins his second MXPG championship title

IMOLA, Italy - Slovenian motocross star Tim Gajser won his second championship title at the MXGP. "I am very happy, this has been a great season, everybody did a great job," he said after it became clear that he won the title three races before the end of the season. Gajser claimed his first MXGP championship title in 2016, his first year in the top motocross class, when he was not yet 20 years old.

Govt popularity still high in August Vox Populi

LJUBLJANA - Nearly 60% of Slovenians believe that the government is doing a good job, suggested the August Vox Populi, while the senior coalition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) remains at the top of party rankings. Just over 35% believe the opposite. Nonetheless, the LMŠ remains at the top of the party rankings (22.2%), followed by the opposition Democrats (SDS; 15.5%), the Social Democrats (SD; 10%) and the Left (6.2%). The rest of the parties all remain under the 4% threshold of the National Assembly.

Visiting Ljubljana? Check out what's on this week, while all our stories on Slovenia, from newest to oldest, are here

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

STA, 18 August 2019 - Slovenian motocross star Tim Gajser won his second championship title at the MXGP in Imola on Sunday. Although a second run of today's race is yet to start, Gajser has already accumulated sufficient advantage to claim the title.

The 22-year-old is currently in place five of MXGP of Italy. To win the title, he needs to finish the race in place eight today. However, his current advantage over Swiss Jeremy Seewer, second overall, is more than enough for the title.

After the first run, he said: "I did not start too well, then I made it to second place, tried to win, but I fell. I tried to get back [to the forefront] but I needed a few laps. I am very happy, this has been a great season, everybody did a great job."

Gajser claimed his first MXGP championship title in 2016, his first year in the top motocross class, when he was not yet 20 years old.

In 2015, he won the MX2 title and signed a long-term contract with Honda. When he started racing in MXGP the year after, he made made quite an entrance, winning his first ever race at the top level.

Motocross has been a family business for Gajser, with his father serving as his coach, adviser and mechanic up to about a year ago.

STA, 18 August 2019 - Ivan Oman, one of the key players of Slovenia's independence has died aged 89. In the late 1980s he played an important role in the establishment of DEMOS, a coalition of newly-emerged centre-right parties that won the first multi-party election in Slovenia and paved the way for its breakaway from the former Yugoslavia.

The news was announced on Sunday by the People's Party (SLS), whose predecessor, the Slovenian Farmers' Association (SKZ), Oman co-founded in the late 1980s and also served as its first president.

In 1990, he became a member of the Slovenian presidency and in 1992 he became an MP in the first National Assembly of independent Slovenia.

The father of seven was born on 10 September 1929. Himself a farmer, Oman was a "great fighter for the rights of farmers and a charismatic leader. May his soul rest with God," the SLS said in a press release.

He was a part of all the key events that led to Slovenia's independence. In November 1989, he hosted at his home in the village of Zminec, southwest of Škofja Loka, the meeting that resulted in the establishment of Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS).

He became the vice-president of DEMOS and, when in January 1990 the parties presented their manifesto, he said "We're running to win!" a bold statement many Slovenians still remember vividly nearly three decades later.

After DEMOS did indeed win the election, Oman became a member of the presidency of what was then the Socialist Republic of Slovenia alongside Ciril Zlobec, Matjaž Kmecl, Dušan Plut and Milan Kučan.

In the mean time, the Farmers' Association was renamed Slovenian People's Party (SLS) and Oman handed its leadership to his son-in-law Marjan Podobnik in 1992.

Oman wanted to see the party merge with the Slovenian Christian Democrats (SKD), but this had not happened. He then swapped parties, and was elected a member of parliament in 1992 on SKD's slate.

He retired from active politics after the end of his term but has remained an important presence in Slovenia's politics.

In 1996, he was honoured with the Golden Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia for his exceptional contribution to Slovenia's independence.

Top officials express condolences following Oman's death

STA, 18 August 2019 - Top state officials have expressed their condolences after the death of Ivan Oman, one of the key people in Slovenia's fight for independence. President Borut Pahor said Oman was one of the fathers of the Slovenian state, while Prime Minister Marjan Šarec said Slovenians would always remain grateful to him. Oman died on Saturday, aged 89.

"The entire Slovenian world mourns today. Ivan Oman was one of the key personas of Slovenia's political spring and independence, one of the fathers of our country," the president tweeted, describing Oman as a wise and determined leader with an open and gentle heart.

Šarec described Oman as a great patriot. "We will always remember him and always be grateful to him," the prime minister tweeted. Similarly, parliament Speaker Dejan Židan said that Slovenia had lost a wise man.

Židan's party, the Social Democrats (SD), whose predecessor was one of the main rivals of Oman's Farmers' Association, now the People's Party, said that Oman's efforts for an independent state and his unifying actions will for ever remain a part of Slovenia's history.

Gratitude to Oman was also expressed by the Democratic Party (SDS), the successor of one of the parties that formed the Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS), which won the first multi-party election, paving the way to Slovenia's independence in the early 1990s.

The party said on its website that Oman "fought for the liberation from under the Communist regime with a strong will and courageous words".

When he became a member of presidency of what was then the Socialist Republic of Slovenia in 1990, Oman was the only presidency member who supported the establishment of the Slovenian military and refused to sign the 1991 Declaration for Peace, an initiative for constitutional changes aiming at stopping progressive armament in Slovenia, as well as Yugoslavia.

"When Milan Kučan and other members of the presidency were disarming our country, he bravely addressed the members of the Territorial Defence after military exercise Premiki91: Greeted, soldiers of the Slovenian military," the SDS said, referring to the then presidency president, who went on to become the first president of independent Slovenia.

This role by Oman was also underlined by SDS president Janey Janša, another major player in Slovenia's independence.

Kučan on the other hand also gave a statement for the STA, praising Oman for being a man of dialogue, who contributed that the presidency had made unanimous decisions that were of vital importance for successful establishment of an independent state. "I am proud of the time I worked with him."

"Oman was a wise man and a sober politician. He put the interest of the Slovenian nation and state at the forefront of his actions as a politician. He was also capable of putting party interests second," Kučan said.

Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore tweeted that Oman was a "loving father, a vigilant protector of his family, an upstanding Christian, a consistent patriot and a wise politician... And always a farmer who constantly thinks about ways to further his estate."

Expressions of condolence also came from National Council President Alojz Kovšca and the president of the Modern Centre Party (SMC) Foreign Minister Miro Cerar.

Moreover, New Slovenia (NSi) president Matej Tonin tweeted that Oman "was an exceptional man. When it was time to act, he did not hesitate. When time called for clear thoughts, he knew no fear. He carried the homeland in his heart and the homeland will always be grateful."

August 18, 2019

The seventh edition of the Floating Castle Festival, with about 25 daily shows, with music and stage performances (including puppet shows for kids) is about to take place in the Slovenian Littoral between August 26 and 31 (2019).  

Floating castle, also known as Ethno Histeria until 2014, became Floating Castle On the Road for this year, since it recently lost its headquarters at the beautiful but slightly remote location of Snežnik Castle, which might not be that bad after all since now the festival has moved a bit closer to the broader public again. The first four days will take place at four quaint Istrian villages not far away from coastal capital of Koper/Capodistria. Also, anyone who’d like to avoid getting lost on the countryside roads can reserve a seat on the so called Džumbus Bus, which will be driving from Ukmar Square (Koper) to the location of a day for a price of 5 EUR for a return ticket. For reservations contact Maja at 041 778 061.

Once there, shows are free but visitors are encouraged to donate 2 EUR to a hat.

In case you’d like to spend the night nearby, there are rooms available (here) and four separate grounds for camping as well (click here for details).

On Friday, August 30, the festival will move to the streets of Koper and on Saturday, the festival summer will conclude at the festival’s origin, Snežnik Castle.

For venues, the line up, contact and further details please visit the festival’s website.

Keep up with the daily news in Slovenia by checking the morning headlines here

This schedule was prepared by the STA:

MONDAY, 19 August
        BRNIK - New US Ambassador Lynda C. Blanchard is due to arrive in Slovenia.
        LJUBLJANA - Environment Minister Simon Zajc will host a meeting with organisations licensed to collect hazardous waste after the waste treatment company Kemis was ordered to stop accepting waste and tear down buildings erected in the wake of the devastating 2017 fire.
        LJUBLJANA - A new square will be inaugurated in the Ljubljana Poljane borough in tribute to the centenary of Prekmurje's reunification with Slovenia. Keynote to be delivered by Slovenia's first President Milan Kučan, with President Borut Pahor on hand.
        LJUBLJANA - An exhibition will be launched to mark the 75th anniversary of the Slovenian Statistics Office.

TUESDAY, 20 August
        LJUBLJANA - The Trade Union of Farmers will meet Prime Minister Marjan Šarec and Agriculture Minister Aleksandra Pivec to discuss measures against wolf attacks on domestic animals.
        LJUBLJANA - Meeting over tea with Major-General Alenka Ermenc, the chief of the general staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces.
        LJUBLJANA - Insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav is scheduled to release a semi-annual business report.
        LJUBLJANA - The summer version of the stand-up comedy festival Panč will kick off at Ljubljana Castle, until 25 August.

WEDNESDAY, 21 August
        PTUJ - The 23rd annual Days of Poetry and Wine will get under way with Ilija Trojanow, the multi-award winning Bulgarian-German author, reading out his Open Letter to Europe; until 24 August.

THURSDAY, 22 August
        LJUBLJANA - Several events will be held ahead of European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian Regimes (23 August), including a flowers-laying ceremony at a plaque to victims of all wars in front of the US Embassy, holy mass for the victims and a debate.
        KRŠKO - Prime Minister Marjan Šarec will pay a visit to the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK).
        KOPER - The shareholders' meeting of port operator Luka Koper will vote on the proposal to name Tamara Kozlovič as a new member of the supervisory board.
        LJUBLJANA - Insurer Sava Re will release semi-annual business results.
        LJUBLJANA - The Statistics Office will release the August consumer confidence index.
        PIRAN - The Tartini International Festival of Chamber Music will start, to run until 8 September.
        RAZGRAD, Bulgaria - Slovenian football champions Maribor will play the first leg of the play-off round of qualifying for UEFA Europa League against Ludogorets Razgrad.

FRIDAY, 23 August
        MARIBOR - A retrospective exhibition marking the 80th birthday of photographer Stojan Kerbler will be launched.
        BEGUNJE NA GORENJSKEM - The three-day Avsenik Festival will kick off in memory of the legendary accordion ensemble.

SATURDAY, 24 August
        RADOMLJE - Prime Minister Marjan Šarec and MEPs Irena Joveva and Klemen Grošelj will address a summer gathering of members of the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ).
        GORNJA RADGONA - The International Agriculture and Food Fair AGRA will open, to run until 29 August.
        GORNJA RADGONA - The Trade Union of Farmers will hold a protest against what it sees as an ineffective implementation of the emergency law to cull bears and wolves.
        LJUBLJANA - The international festival of progressive theatre Mladi Levi will get under way, to run until 31 August.
        PIRAN - A saltmakers' festival will take place.

SUNDAY, 25 August
        MURSKA SOBOTA - A religious service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church to mark the centenary of Prekmurje's unification with Slovenia, with Honorary Bishop Geza Erniša, Catholic Archbishop Alojzij Cvikl, President Borut Pahor to address the event after. It will also be attended by Prime Minister Marjan Šarec.

STA, 16 August 2019 - The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has been notified that golden-brown algae have multiplied at Lake Bled. Bathers should therefore avoid water activities where the algae are visibly present and take a shower after bathing.

NIPH reports that the algae can be spotted as brown coloured areas. The institute also advises against bathing in areas where the algae are present or sitting on dried algae on the lake shore.

The bathers should also take a shower after bathing. In case of allergic reactions such as skin irritation or breathing difficulties the bathers should seek medical assistance.

Špela Remec Rekar from the Slovenian Environment Agency, who monitors the state of Lake Bled, pointed out that the ecological state of the lake, which was always in good or solid condition, is worsening.

The expansion of tourism and an increase in the number of fishermen and bathers are the reason for this.

The Municipality of Bled is working on minimising the environmental effects on the lake. This year the municipality completed the construction of sewers and will gradually close the roads by the lake for traffic.

Some of the areas are closed off for bathing now, with Romana Purkart from the Bled Tourist Board "inviting bathers to the Grajsko bathing area that provides the needed infrastructure along with environmentally friendly sunscreen".