23 Sep 2021, 11:30 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Thursday, 23 September 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:

Controversial indecent behaviour amendment voted down

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly narrowly voted down controversial amendments proposing to introduce fines for indecent behaviour when detected by a police officer. 43 MPs voted in favour and 44 against. Originally, the amendments to the protection of public order act envisaged fines of EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 for insulting senior officials and their families. After strong backlash in the public against the proposal, the definition was expanded on the committee to make indecent behaviour towards anyone punishable by a fine. The centre-left opposition insisted that the proposal sought to silence criticism of those in power. The ruling coalition argued it was to prevent street violence.

EU ministers discuss measures to tackle energy crisis

BRDO PRI KRANJU - EU energy ministers discussed ways to tackle rising power and gas prices. Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the Commission could validate "short-term temporary measures" to tackle the effects of the rising prices. She listed tax and excise policies, targeted measures for the energy poor, temporary measures for households and small companies, and direct support for consumers as measures that would be "in accordance with EU regulations". Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec described the Commission's Fit for 55 package as a much needed step forward and said the general consensus was that the package was good, but there was quite a bit of work ahead.

Almost 1,190 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, ten deaths

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,186 PCR tests returned positive on Tuesday for a positivity rate of 20%, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) said. The number of active cases in the country is estimated at 13,743. The number of patients in hospitals was up further, to 384, including 105 in intensive care, and ten Covid-19 patients died, the government said. The 7-day average of new cases was down by 26 to 1,001 but the 14-day incidence per 100,000 increased by 5 to 649. A total of 7,318 people received a Covid-19 vaccine shot on Tuesday.

Pahor meets Erdogan on sidelines of UN General Assembly

NEW YORK, US - President Borut Pahor, who is in New York for the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, held several bilateral meetings on Tuesday, including with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss cooperation, Afghanistan and migrations. Pahor and Erdogan assessed the Slovenia-Turkey relations as very good, especially since 2011 when the countries signed a strategic partnership, with cooperation especially good in economy. Pahor expects the joint economic commission to meet soon.

Pahor for boosting ties with Vietnam, Cape Verde

NEW YORK, US - President Borut Pahor continued a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly by meeting his counterpart from Cape Verde Jorge Carlos Fonseca, and from Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Being the first such top-level talks, Pahor and Nguyen agreed the meeting could provide a boost to the bilateral relationship and all-round cooperation between the two nations. Interest in deepening political ties was also expressed as Pahor met Fonseca. The pair agreed that time had come for a top state visit.

Slovenia calls for more aid for Yemen at UN event

NEW YORK, US - Foreign Ministry State Secretary Stanislav Raščan called for an increase in aid for Yemen as he took part in a special event on the humanitarian crisis in the country on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. He expressed concern over the ever larger gap between the humanitarian needs and the available funding. Along with the need to increase the funding for the country the international community would have to make sure that the aid reached the most vulnerable groups.

Assistance provided to evacuated Afghans

LJUBLJANA - Local Afghan staff who were evacuated from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the country are having their lives sorted out in Slovenia with the government making arrangements concerning welfare, housing, healthcare and education. They will receive cash welfare payments, their healthcare will be paid for, and education will be provided. The government Office for Integration of Migrants will provide assistance in integration and the Defence Ministry will provide housing for a year rent-free.

Slovenia, Australia to talk double taxation avoidance deal

CANBERRA, Australia - Slovenia and Australia will start negotiations to conclude an agreement on avoidance of double taxation next year, the Slovenian Embassy in Canberra announced, adding that such an agreement was expected to have a positive influence on the volume of economic cooperation between the countries, especially in investment. Slovenia presented its version of the agreement to Australia in June 2018, and it is thanks to the effort by the embassy, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry and other bodies that the negotiations will now finally start.

Audiovisual services act falls short in revote

LJUBLJANA - An audiovisual services act whose core provision was a 6% levy on content providers to finance a new fund for the production of domestic content fell two votes short in a parliamentary vote after it was vetoed by the upper chamber of parliament. The National Council veto came after sharp criticism by content providers as well as the Association of Slovenian Journalists. Content providers such as TV stations and video-on-demand platforms would be required to earmark 6% of their gross annual revenue to the special fund, which would be under the control of the Culture Ministry.

Rules on pet care tightened up

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bill that seeks to better protect pets, increase their well-being and enhance the responsibility of their owners. Under the amendments to the animal protection act, it will be prohibited to tether dogs, except in specific situations such as in the case of guard dogs at farms. Electric collars are being outlawed as well. Guard dogs at farms will be allowed to be kept on a lead at least five metres long that will allow the dog to move around at least four metres in each direction. The latter will need to be implemented by 1 January 2024.

Dividends boost profit of Sovereign Holding

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) saw its half-year net profit increase more than five-fold year-on-year to EUR 26 million, chiefly as a result of much higher dividend entitlements. Return on equity rose to 6.4% from 4% in the first half of last year. SSH reported having generated EUR 47.8 million in operating profit in the first half of the year. Assets and capital increased by EUR 125 million, which is attributed in part to growth in stock market prices.

Businesses regret withdrawal of social security contribution cap

LJUBLJANA - Employer representatives regretted the government's decision to withdraw a cap on social security contributions from an omnibus de-bureaucratisation bill. "We have realised with regret that as a society, we are not able to reach agreement on Slovenia's key development challenges and on further prosperity of its residents," they said. As the government withdrew several proposals from the bill it was not discussed by parliament today as planned, and the whole parliamentary procedure will start anew.

Nuclear physicist Cizelj named to SSH supervisory board

LJUBLJANA - Leon Cizelj, a nuclear physicist working at the Jožef Stefan Institute, was named a member of the supervisory board of Slovenian Sovereign Holding, as the National Assembly voted 46:36 in favour of his appointment. Cizelj succeeds Igor Kržan, who stepped down from the five-member supervisory board in January. Cizelj is best known in the public as the author of projections of the coronavirus epidemic.

TBP sees revenue down 16% in 2020, still finishes with profit

LENART - TBP, the Lenart-based producer of push-pull bowden cables and plastics employing more than 900 people, saw its revenue decrease by 16% to EUR 54 million last year. The company nevertheless posted nearly half a million euro in net profit, a quarter of the figure in 2019. The company attributed the declining numbers to the Covid-19 pandemic, with CEO Danilo Rojko saying in the annual report that a "tumultuous and demanding year is behind us". Investments planned for this year amount to EUR 2.3 million, total revenue is expected at EUR 61 million and net profit above EUR 2 million.

EUR 28m approved for natural disaster relief equipment

LJUBLJANA - The Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy said it had approved European funds for a project to secure equipment for protection, rescue and assistance in the event of floods. The project is worth EUR 28 million, of which EUR 20 million will come from the EU cohesion funds. The Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Administration will get 40 special cargo vehicles, 164 exchangeable containers and 10 high-performance pump units.

Tobacco tax increasing as of November

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian tobacco prices will rise in November and again in April next year under changes to the excise duty regulation that the government adopted today. A pack of cigarettes will be 4.6% more expensive on average once both rounds of tax increases are implemented. The government projects annual receipts to increase by EUR 15.6 million annually as a result of the tax hike.

Average July wage slightly down to around EUR 1,950 gross

LJUBLJANA - The average gross pay in Slovenia in July stood at EUR 1,941, down 0.6% nominally and 0.2% in real terms on June. Totalling EUR 1,250, the average net pay was down 0.5% in nominal terms and 0.9% in real terms, the Statistics Office said. The average gross pay for July dropped by 1.4% in the public sector over June, while increasing by 0.1% in the private sector. Broken down by sectors, it was the highest in financial and insurance companies, at EUR 2,701.

Consumer confidence continues to deteriorate

LJUBLJANA - Consumer confidence in Slovenia deteriorated for the third month in a row in September as the relevant indicator was down by one percentage point compared to August, which the Statistics Office attributes to more pessimistic expectations regarding the economic situation in the country and financial situation in households.

Slovenia win two team bronzes at Canoe Slalom World Championships

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - Slovenian kayak and canoe teams won two bronze medals at the outset of the Canoe Slalom World Championships, in the men's team slalom and the men's team whitewater event. Peter Kauzer, Martin Srabotnik and Niko Testen won the bronze medal in the men's team slalom behind France and Slovakia. In the whitewater event, Anže Urankar, Simon Oven and Nejc Žnidarčič were bested only by the surprise winners Germany and France

22 Sep 2021, 18:02 PM

Tobacco Tax to Rise in November, April

STA, 22 September 2021 - Slovenian tobacco prices will rise in November and again in April next year under changed to excise taxes that the government confirmed on Wednesday. A pack of cigarettes will be 4.6% more expensive on average once both rounds of tax increases are implemented.

The government projects annual receipts to increase by EUR 15.6 million annually as a result of the tax hike, which it says pursues both economic and public-health objectives.

The last time tobacco excise rose was in October 2000.

22 Sep 2021, 14:07 PM

Slovenia Tightens Rules on Pet Care

STA, 22 September 2021 - The National Assembly have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bill that seeks to better protect pet, increase their well-being and enhance the responsibility of their owners. The amendments to the animal protection act were backed on Wednesday in an 87:1 vote.

Presenting the new legislation, Agriculture Minister Jože Podgoršek said on Tuesday the solutions took into consideration the opinion of the parliamentary majority and various NGOs.

It will be prohibited to tether dogs, except in specific situations such as in the case of guard dogs at farms. Electric collars are being outlawed as well.

Guard dogs at farms will be allowed to be kept on a lead at least five metres long that will allow the dog to move around at least four metres in each direction.

The latter solution will need to be implemented by 1 January 2024.

It will also be prohibited to kill healthy abandoned pets in shelters after 30 days or kill them for their skin. Fur or leather farming has been banned in Slovenia since 2013.

One of the changes is more detailed procedure to trace the origin of dogs to prevent and curb trading in dogs and illicit trade.

It will be mandatory to chip puppies up to the age of eight weeks, and it will be obligatory to state the chip number in sale advertisements.

Chipping of cats will be voluntary to allow owners to prove their ownership.

The new law also provides more detailed provisions governing dangerous dogs and use of shepherd dogs to protect pasturing herds.

In case of a violation, the first measure against the owner will be to subject them to basic training on how to keep a pet.

In case of attacks by wild animals, the dog will not be considered dangerous if it attacks a human in a minor incident.

However, when the dog is found to be dangerous, an appeal will not stay the implementation of the decision.

The amendments also restrict possession of exotic species to protect the life, health and well-being of animals and people's lives and health and to preserve wildlife.

The cost of care for abandoned animals will be covered by municipalities the first 30 days, then by the owner of the shelter, and from day 120 on, by the state.

In the debate, deputy factions largely lauded the solutions as good and effective, although several MPs noted the important thing would be how owners care for their pets and animals in practice.

Some of the issues highlighted were a lack of oversight and understaffed inspection services, a lack of provisions on pet care in urban areas, as well as a call for improvements for animals reared for food.

22 Sep 2021, 12:13 PM

Slovenia’s Average Gross Wage €1,941 in July, Net €1,250

STA, 22 September - The average gross pay in Slovenia in July stood at EUR 1,941, down 0.6% nominally and 0.2% in real terms on June. Totalling EUR 1,250, the average net pay was down 0.5% in nominal terms and 0.9% in real terms, the Statistics Office said on Wednesday.

The average gross pay for July dropped by 1.4% in the public sector over June, while increasing by 0.1% in the private sector.

Broken down by sectors, it was the highest in financial and insurance companies, at EUR 2,701.

The highest month-on-month increase was meanwhile recorded in education (+6.5%) and the sharpest decrease in health care and social care (-7.1%), mostly because hazard bonuses stopped being paid as the coronavirus epidemic was formally declared over.

22 Sep 2021, 07:24 AM

Far-Right Leader Who Sent Hitler Tweet Jailed for Violence

STA, 21 September 2021 - Urban Purgar, a high-profile member of the far-right Yellow Jackets movement who sparked controversy in Slovenia with a tweet glorifying Hitler, is in prison, allegedly for committing the crime of violence, the newspaper Večer reports online.

The report says that Purgar had to report to Ljubljana prison on Monday to start serving his five-month sentence, allegedly for the crime of violence.

Večer writes that Purgar has also been sentenced to seven months in prison in a conviction that is not yet final.

Purgar resigned as the head of the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Values earlier this month in the wake of controversy after he posted a tweet reading "Hitler is #hero" on 1 August.

The centre-left opposition has demanded for the Culture Ministry to strip the association of the status of an association in the public interest.

A group called the Legal Network for Protection of Democracy brought a complaint with the supreme state prosecution on 17 August demanding judicial procedure to be opened to ban the association.

The prosecution told the online edition of the magazine Demokracija that there was no basis for the complaint to be acted on.

22 Sep 2021, 04:58 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Wednesday, 22 September 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:

Logar calls for implementation of Afghanistan benchmarks

NEW YORK, US - Foreign Minister Anže Logar urged his EU peers to stick with the agreement they reached at an informal meeting in Slovenia in September regarding Afghanistan, as EU foreign ministers held a meeting on the margins of the UN General Assembly on Monday. He said the framework agreed at September's Gymnich meeting should be implemented and the EU should pursue a single, coordinated approach to the management of migrations and the provision of humanitarian aid.

Slovenian, South Korean presidents exchange decorations

NEW YORK, US - President Borut Pahor and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in exchanged state decorations as they held talks on the margins of the UN General Assembly meeting on Monday. Moon received the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service, conferred for exceptional work and merits rendered in advancing the sovereignty, prosperity, renown and progress of Slovenia, while Pahor was given the Grand Order of Mugunghwa for outstanding services in the interest of promoting the development and security of the Republic of Korea.

Minister urges Frontex to help member states, third countries

PORTOROŽ - The situation on the EU's external border, in particular on the border with Belarus, was high on the agenda as the management board of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) started a two-day meeting in Slovenia. Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said Frontex had to help EU member states as well as third countries. Fabrice Leggeri, the executive director of Frontex, said the agency was sending out the message that it was protecting European borders and was determined to protect them from hybrid threats whose goal was to destabilise Europe.

Aukus pact may be discussed by EU leaders at Brdo

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The issue of the Aukus pact between Australia, the UK and US was brought up by some EU member states a session of the EU's General Affairs Council, chaired by Gašper Dovžan, a state secretary at the Slovenian Foreign Ministry. Divžan said the issue was expected to be discussed at future meetings, including EU summit. The first opportunity will be as EU leaders meet over dinner to talk about China an trade ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit at Brdo on 6 October.

Debureaucratisation bill watered down

LJUBLJANA - The government removed the controversial cap on social security contributions from the omnibus debureaucratisation bill due to a lack of support, it follows from documents posted on the government web site. The new proposal of the bill, adopted by the government at a correspondence session on Monday, also no longer includes amendments to several other laws as they would block the legislative procedure. The original bill was to be discussed by parliament on first reading On Wednesday.

MPs divided on fines for indecent behaviour

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly debated amendments to the public order act that introduce fines for indecent behaviour if detected by police officers on the spot. Most opposition MPs said the purpose was to silence criticism of the authorities, while the coalition argued the goal was to prevent street violence. The proposal originally envisaged a EUR 500-1,000 fine for "fighting, shouting or acting indecently" toward top state officials, but the coalition expanded the offence to indecent behaviour towards anyone.

Four opposition parties finalise agreement on post-election cooperation

LJUBLJANA - Four centre-left opposition parties announced they had finalised an agreement on cooperation after the election. Party leaders initialled the agreement today and will sign it next week pending approval by the top decision-making bodies of each of the parties. The agreement involves the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Social Democrats (SD), Left and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB). The SAB council unanimously endorsed the pact, with the remaining parties to hold sessions at the weekend.

Two MPs to sue minister over false accusation

LJUBLJANA - Two opposition deputies will take Interior Minister Aleš Hojs to court after he implied they were participating in the organisation of anti-government protests. Hojs made the statement last week and was urged to apologise, but because he did not, Social Democrat (SD) MPs Matjaž Nemec and Marko Koprivec said they would lodge a lawsuit. If they win damages, they plan to donate the money to charity.

Over 1,300 new coronavirus infections, three deaths on Monday

LJUBLJANA - The number of positive coronavirus tests totalled 1,308 in Slovenia on Monday, according to the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), in what is a slight drop from a week ago. The number of patients in hospitals was up further as ICU cases exceeded 100 for the first time since May. Three new deaths were reported.

Ministers call for greater energy connectivity in region

LJUBLJANA - A ministerial of the Initiative on Central and South-Eastern European Energy Connectivity agreed that energy connectivity is key for successful and cost-effective energy transition. The current situation and future of energy systems in the region was also debated with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. The first part of the session in Ljubljana discussed priority electricity infrastructure projects, coupling of markets and inclusion of renewable energy sources in the system.

Court of Audit finds government partially successful in reducing poverty

LJUBLJANA - The Court of Audit has found that the government and the Labour Ministry were partially successful in reducing poverty between 2017 and 2020. While the main targets for the 2017-2020 period were met, the government and the ministry were not successful in reducing poverty risk rates for all deprived and vulnerable groups. The ministry said it was already acting to amend the flaws. Meanwhile, the opposition Left proposed the ministry recalculate the minimum cost of living, which determines the level of social transfers and the minimum wage.

Man who raised controversy with Hitler tweet in prison

LJUBLJANA - The online edition of Večer reported that Urban Purgar, a high-profile member of the far-right Yellow Jackets movement who sparked controversy in Slovenia with a tweet glorifying Hitler, is in prison since Monday, allegedly for committing the crime of violence. Purgar resigned as the head of the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Values earlier this month in the wake of controversy after he posted a tweet reading "Hitler is #hero" on 1 August.

Budget R&D spending up for fifth year in a row

LJUBLJANA - Budget funding for research and development (R&D) stood at EUR 243.5 million in 2020, up 11% over the year before and the fifth consecutive annual increase, show Statistics Office data. Spending increased in relative terms as well, amounting to 0.52% of GDP.

Slovenia submits Sanremo for nomination in Oscars race

LJUBLJANA - Sanremo, a film about life in a nursing home and dementia, by Miroslav Mandić has been selected by a group of experts as the Slovenian entry for a nomination for the best international feature film award at the Oscars 2022, announced the Slovenian Association of Filmmakers.

Diaspora painter Klavdij Palčič dies

TRIESTE, Italy - Klavdij Palčič, a leading ethnic Slovenian artist from Italy, has died aged 81 after a long illness, Primorski Dnevnik reported. He was a politically active member of the minority and headed the Slovenian Cultural and Economic Association for several years. Alongside his teacher Avgust Černigoj (1898-1985) and Lojze Spacal (1907-2000), Palčič is considered one of the finest Slovenian artists from Trieste.

Slovenia generated almost 9% less waste last year y/y

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia generated less waste in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the Statistics Office. Less waste was generated in economic activities, while municipal waste from households and the healthcare sector increased, especially waste that requires special collection and disposal treatment to prevent infection, due to Covid-19.

Potočar wins silver in lead at Climbing Worlds

MOSCOW, Russia - Luka Potočar won silver in the men's lead event at the IFSC Climbing World Championships in Moscow in what is the best career achievement for the 19-year-old and the 19th medal for Slovenia ever at the competition, the first in the lead event for men. As many as 17 of these medals have been won by women climbers, including seven by Olympic gold medallist Janja Garnbret, who is not participating in the World Championships in Russia.

Tomaž Barada to head Slovenian team at 2022 Winter Olympics

LJUBLJANA - The executive committee of the Slovenian Olympic Committee (OKS) named Tomaž Barada, the president of the OKS expert committee for professional sport, the head of the Slovenian team at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, which will take place from 4 to 20 February 2022. The current vice-president of the OKS is a former martial artist in kick boxing and taekwon-do, in which he has won six European champion and three world champion titles.

21 Sep 2021, 14:19 PM

Four Opposition Parties Agree to Cooperate If Election Called

STA, 21 September 2021 - Four centre-left opposition parties have finalised an agreement on cooperation after the election. Party leaders initialled the agreement on Tuesday and will sign it next week pending approval by the top decision-making bodies of each of the parties.

The agreement involves the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Social Democrats (SD), Left and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB).

The SAB council unanimously endorsed the pact tonight as the first of the four. The remaining parties will hold sessions at the weekend.

The content of the agreement has not been revealed in today's press releases circulated by all four parties.

The idea for a post-election alliance was put forward by LMŠ leader Marjan Šarec in mid-August. He said such a pact was necessary to "return Slovenia to normalcy and to democracy".

"After Covid-19, government terror and disregard for the rule of law and after the hole they dug in public finances, Slovenia will need a normalisation," Bratušek said after the party council session, pledging for the four parties to deliver that after the election.

She promised the party would do all in its power for Slovenia to have a stable and strong economy as a basis for the welfare state, listing pensioners, healthcare and public education as SAB's top priorities.

21 Sep 2021, 11:41 AM

Janša Rejects Allegations of Improper Contacts with Lobbyists

STA, 20 September 2021 - Prime Minister Janez Janša has dismissed allegations about improper lobbying contacts, telling MPs on Monday that businessmen do not lobby with him "because they know I'm not a target" for lobbying.

"Whenever we are in the opposition, all your media write that the SDS will never be in government again, that Janez Janša will never be prime minister again. Why then should they lobby with someone who will not have any power," he said during questions time in parliament.

Janša was quizzed about contacts after several media released photos of Janša playing golf with lobbyist Božo Dimnik and businessman Andrej Marčič in 2003. Subsequently released photos showed both Janša and Dimnik on Marčič's yacht, reportedly in 2016, and Dimnik hanging around with Janša in Janša's home.

PM Janša Reported to Have Been Vacationing in Mauritius with Healthcare Lobbyists for Almost 20 Years

Left leader said MPs entitled to explanations given that Janša has held a number of senior posts in the past twenty years, in particular contacts with Marčič and Dimnik given their extensive deals with public institutions.

Janša said he had met with Dimnik several times in the past but had never discussed business with him, noting that Dimnik had helped Slovenia win international recognition during independence efforts and had chaired the Association of Slovenian-Croatian Friendship during his first government.

He pointed out that companies with links to Dimnik and Marčič had concluded the biggest deals with the state during the terms of leftist governments, and urged the opposition to back a coalition-sponsored bill on public procurement in health that he said would systemically preclude the kinds of accusations levelled at him now.

Healthcare Lobbyist Claims Repeated Meetings With Janša Were Accidental

"The gentlemen who used to be respected businessmen and have become tycoons now that you have published photos of them with me have never concluded any deals with me... I have spent perhaps ten hours on various yachts in my life. I think I also spent half an hour on a sailboat with [former president] Milan Kučan, but there was no lobbying involved."

Janša also accused the opposition of dwelling on the past instead of focusing on the future. "A lot of things are going on in Slovenia and I think given that important elections are coming up next year, it is time we start competing with platforms and concepts."

And given Slovenia's rapid GDP growth and low unemployment, it is time to "start competing in who will best leverage these opportunities that have been created instead of wasting time," he said.

Janša was also criticised for failing to attend sessions of the parliamentary Commission for the Oversight of Public Finances, which has been discussed the lobbying accusations twice.

"Your persistent silence, your avoidance of inconvenient questions, your dismissive attitude to the National Assembly and its constitutional role - all this has forced us to ... face you with at least one question today," Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) deputy Robert Pavšič said.

Janša retorted that he had no problem attending commission sessions and that he had never avoided that. "I received the invitation for Friday and am working on being able to attend. But my calendar is full. I have more European and international obligations in a week than your prime minister had in a year."

21 Sep 2021, 09:54 AM

Two-Day Festival on Palestinian Culture Starts Today in Ljubljana

STA, 21 September 2021 - The annual festival dubbed Cultural Embassy of Palestine is starting in Ljubljana on Tuesday evening to explore the theme of the bond between Palestine and the land through film screenings, an exhibition and a round table discussion featuring various guests with connections to Palestine.

The Cultural Embassy of Palestine is an annual event, organised by the civil society initiative Palestinian Rights Movement, in cooperation with the Janez Boljka Art Gallery, the Divja Misel Institute, the Vodnik Homestead and the Slovenian Cinematheque.

It aims to stimulate reflection and broaden the understanding of what is happening in Palestine through Palestinian culture, music, literature and history, the Palestinian Rights Movement said.

The event starts on Tuesday at the Janez Boljka Art Gallery with the photographic exhibition Al Ard - Land, organised in collaboration with photographer Fatima Abbadi and Palestinian artist Khaled Hourani.

The exhibition aims to show "the unbreakable bond between the Palestinian people and their land," reads the press release. They will also host Palestinian poet Fawzi Abder Rahim from Maribor.

On Wednesday evening, the Vodnik Homestead will host a discussion entitled Palestinian Land: Where It All Begins And Ends.

The guests will be journalist Fareed Taamallah and his son, activist and graduate student Eyad Taamallah, who will join via video-link and shed light on the daily struggle for land in the Israeli-controlled Occupied Palestinian Territories.

An activist and student from Berlin, Fidaa Zaanin, will also join the discussion, which will be followed by a screening of the documentary film Nun Wa Zaytun (2014) by Emtiaz Diab.

The event concludes on 23 September at the Slovenian Cinematheque with a screening of Najwa Najjar's feature film Pomegranates and Myrrh (Al-mor wa al rumman - 2008), a winner of multiple international prizes.

21 Sep 2021, 04:39 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Tuesday, 21 September

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:

Renewables in focus as Commissioner Simson visits

BREŽICE - European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson started a visit to Slovenia by visiting the Brežice hydro power plant, accompanied by Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec. The pair stressed the importance of renewable energy sources with Vrtovec saying the resources offered by nature should be used and invested in. Simson and Vrtovec also exchanged views on efforts for a coal phaseout. Simson pointed to the green deal, adding she was happy to see how individual countries approached it.

Govt working on risk mitigation due to prospect of compensation for wiped-out bank investors

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša believes the erasure of shareholders and subordinated bondholders as part of Slovenia's 2013/14 bank bailout could pose a risk of potentially high compensations. He said the government was working towards mitigating these risks. Janša, answering a question from an MP at the start of a plenary, said there were some other skeletons falling out of the closet. "There are many of these decisions that were made under left governments, which the media do not scrutinise, law enforcement does not act, but sooner or later, bills are issued," he said.

Pahor and Logar attending UN General Assembly

NEW YORK, US - A Slovenian delegation led by President Borut Pahor, who will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Anže Logar, will attend the United Nations General Assembly this week. The high-level general debate starts on Tuesday and Pahor will deliver his address on Friday. Pahor will also participate in the Food Systems Summit and attend the reception for heads of state and government hosted by Secretary General Antonio Gutteres, with whom he is scheduled to have a one-on-one meeting on Friday.

Vaccine uptake accelerates as Covid pass becomes mandatory

LJUBLJANA - The Covid pass mandate introduced last week has led to a surge in vaccination. Almost 84,000 shots were administered last week, the highest weekly figure since early June, show data from the national vaccination registry. At present 46% of Slovenia's population is fully vaccinated and 52% have received at least one jab. Among adults, the rates are 55% and 61%, respectively.

EU, US officials discuss ties in judiciary, home affairs

LJUBLJANA - Security challenges, cooperation in fighting terrorism, exchange of information, violent extremism, hate speech and racism, were in the focus of Monday's meeting of EU and US justice and home affairs officials, which was held in Ljubljana as part of Slovenia's EU presidency. "With close cooperation, we can ensure a high level of security for our citizens," said Slovenia's Deputy Police Commissioner Jože Senica, who co-chaired the meeting.

Slovenia to sell over 20,000 doses of Moderna to Australia

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will sell to Australia 20,400 doses of the Moderna vaccine it has already ordered but not yet received, after Australia asked EU members at the end of August for help it in its Covid-19 vaccination effort. Selling the vaccine on to Australia will not endanger public health in Slovenia, the government said. Since Australia wants the vaccine to be delivered directly from the producer, Slovenia will sell it some of the doses it has not yet been delivered.

Public divided over mandatory vaccination

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian public is divided over mandatory vaccination against Covid-19 with a poll commissioned by the newspapers Dnevnik and Večer showing a majority of 48.9% to 46.7% being in favour of a vaccination mandate. Meanwhile, more than half in the Vox Populi poll agreed with the recovered-vaccinated-tested (PTC) rule imposed on staff and customers across activities, against a third (32.5%), who did not find the measure sensible.

291 coronavirus cases, five deaths on Sunday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded another 291 coronavirus cases on Sunday, nine more than the same day a week ago. The 7-day average of new cases rose by one to 1,039 and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 was up by three to 624. The number of hospitalised patients rose by three to 363 with 97 now in intensive care. Five patients died, official data shows. Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj said infections were also rising fast in care homes, but as almost 96% residents were vaccinated serious symptoms were rare.

Valentin Areh endorsed as acting TV Slovenija director

LJUBLJANA - The programming council of RTV Slovenija gave the green light to appoint Valentin Areh acting director of the public broadcaster's TV programme section, TV Slovenija. The council voted 19:2 for Areh's appointment for up to six months or until a full-fledged director is appointed. The 50-year-old worked for private broadcaster POP TV in 1996-2010 and joined TV Slovenija's news programme in 2010, and has reported from several wars, including in the Balkans, Chechnya and Iraq. The move comes after Natalija Gorščak was dismissed from the post on 20 August.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's key, but obstacles remain

LJUBLJANA - Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is instrumental for providing treatment in the early stages of the disease, but ahead of World Alzheimer's Day, experts point to obstacles to early detection, including lack of staff and expensive diagnostics. Štefanija Lukič Zlobec, the head of the Alzheimer awareness association Spominčica, estimates there are 33,000-34,000 dementia patients in Slovenia, whereby three quarters of those with early signs of the disease are undiagnosed.

Vox Populi poll: Government rating remains low

LJUBLJANA - The Vox Populi poll run by the newspapers Dnevnik and Večer shows that support for the government is at 28%, one of the lowest ratings so far. Nevertheless, the ruling Democrats (SDS) remain in the lead among parties, at 18.4%, followed by three opposition parties - the Social Democrats (SD) at 13.3%, Left at 9.2% and the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) at 8.9%. All parties were slightly up over August. Meanwhile, Health Minister Janez Poklukar fell from third to 12th in politicians' popularity raking.

Slovenia ranks 36th in digital quality of life

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia ranks 36th among 110 countries in digital quality of life, according to a survey conducted by IT company Surfshark, after it ranked 23rd among 85 countries last year. Slovenia is above average in internet accessibility (22nd), while it fared worst in terms of the quality of internet connections (52nd). Surfshark noted that while Slovenia had slipped 13 points compared to last year's survey, its total score was still around 10% above the global average.

Tam-Europe revenue down 70% in 2020 due to pandemic

MARIBOR - The Maribor-based bus and commercial vehicle manufacturer TAM-Europe slipped further into the red last year because of the pandemic. Since one of its main activities is production of airport shuttle buses and the aviation industry has been virtually brought to a standstill last year, the company's revenue plummeted by 70% to EUR 4.1 million. According to the annual report of the Chinese-owned company, the loss increased from EUR 2.2 million to almost EUR 3.9 million.

Cukrarna Gallery a new platform for contemporary art

LJUBLJANA - The Cukrarna Gallery, managed by the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana (MGML), will open its doors to the public on Friday in a completely renovated former sugar factory on the banks of the river Ljubljanica, in what marks the creation of a new platform for contemporary art. The opening exhibition will feature works by Slovenian and foreign artists including Jimmie Durham, winner of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale.

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