STA, 17 September 2021 - Anti-government protestors gathered in Republic Square in Ljubljana on Friday evening, announcing they had filed a criminal complaint over corruption against PM Janez Janša earlier in the day, to coincide with his birthday.

Every Janša government has been marked by corruption and nepotism, which has reached new dimensions in the last year and a half, said the Protest People's Assembly, as the organisers term themselves.

Referring to the recently published photos of Janša and lobbyist Božo Dimnik and businessman Andrej Marčič, the group said Janša abused power for its own interests and for lucrative deals of his friends.

The group also said it will not use violence to fight against this practice but it will use all legal means available.

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This summary is provided by the STA: 

 Slovenia becomes member of EU Med

ATHENS, Greece - Slovenia officially became a member of the club of Mediterranean EU countries henceforth known as EU Med, which grew from seven to nine members with the inclusion of Slovenia and Croatia at a summit in Athens. PM Janez Janša said after the meeting it was a great honour for Slovenia to join the group, which was expanding at a crucial time during Slovenia's presidency of the EU. "This gives Slovenia a new opportunity for coordinating all open issues on the agenda." Slovenia has long lobbied to become a member and its formal application dates back to 2015. Janša's office said prior to the summit that Slovenia's inclusion was the result of its long-standing efforts to increase its presence in the Mediterranean area and forge closer links with Mediterranean countries.

Slovenia gets first batch of EU recovery and resilience funds

LJUBLJANA - The European Commission paid out the first, EUR 231 million batch of EU funds to Slovenia as part of the recovery and resilience plan, which is 13% of the total amount Slovenia is to receive. The money will be allocated for sustainable mobility and digital transformation projects. "Good news for Slovenia. The first disbursement of funds under #NextGenerationEU kick-starts the green and digital transition in the country," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter. Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj welcomed the news. "This is an important achievement for Slovenia and a big step forward in the implementation of the goals set," he was quoted as saying by the Finance Ministry.

Rolling 7-day coronavirus average tops 1,000

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's daily coronavirus count topped 1,000 for the fourth day running as 1,143 new cases were reported for Thursday, to push the 7-day average to 1,017, up by 20 from the previous day. According to the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), the 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents has increased to 587, up by 25 from the previous day. Health Minister Janez Poklukar said at the government press briefing that there were now 348 Covid patients in hospitals, including 86 in intensive care, while another six patients died yesterday.

PCT rule being narrowed to PC rule for state administration

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted late on Thursday changes to the Covid pass mandate under which some 31,500 public sector employees will need to be either Covid-19 reconvalescent or vaccinated starting from 1 October. The decision means testing will no longer be accepted for employees of government departments and their bodies, inspection services, police and army, and of administrative units. The PC rule will not apply to the other segments of the some 170,000-strong public sector. The Trade Union of State Bodies plans to challenge the new rule at the Constitutional Court. The government meanwhile added several further exceptions to the recovered-vaccinated-tested (PCT) rule, including for teenagers younger than 15, and for access to charities and other humanitarian aid points.

Three injured in shooting in Ljubljana's BTC shopping area

LJUBLJANA - Three persons were injured in a shooting in a bar at the BTC shopping district in Ljubljana on Friday. Two were injured with fire arms and the third sustained a blow with an object, the Ljubljana Police Department said. All three were taken to hospital, but their lives are said not to be in danger. The unknown perpetrators fled from the scene of the crime and have not yet been traced down. According to private broadcaster POP TV, several shots were heard at the bar, scaring other clients with some thinking a shooting spree was going on. Witnesses also told POP TV pepper spray was used. The motive of the crime remains unclear.

Cabinet members, police officials called to testify before parliamentary inquiry

LJUBLJANA - A parliamentary commission of inquiry which is investigating alleged politicisation of police plans to interview 30 officials, among them top government officials including PM Janez Janša and former and current top police officials, the commission's chair Rudi Medved told the press after the commission's firts session. The inquiry was formally launched in March at the request of the opposition to investigate potential interference by holders of public office in the work of the police since March 2020, when the current government was sworn in.

*Friday protesters file criminal complaint against Janša

LJUBLJANA - Anti-government protestors gathered in Republic Square in Ljubljana this evening, announcing they had filed a criminal complaint over corruption against PM Janez Janša earlier in the day, to coincide with his birthday. Every Janša government has been marked by corruption and nepotism, which has reached new dimensions in the last year and a half, said the Protest People's Assembly, as the organisers term themselves.

Minister attends independence ceremony in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, US - Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch attended a ceremony in Cleveland on Thursday marking the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence, organised by the Slovenian community in the US and the consulate general in Cleveland. Before addressing the event, she meet business executives, local politicians, a bishop of Slovenian descent, the mayor, and visited Slovenian charity AMLA. The meeting with the business executives focussed on the possibilities and challenges in business cooperation between Slovenia and the US. Jaklitsch will continue her US visit in New York, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and the Chicago area.

Four bids for Constitutional Court judge in new call

LJUBLJANA - Four bids have arrived for President Borut Pahor's renewed call for applications for one vacant post on the Constitutional Court. Pahor will consult the heads of the parliamentary groups and representatives of the national communities on the applications and select a nominee, followed by a vote in the National Assembly. The four applicants are Franci Ježek, Marko Starman, Rok Svetlič and Andraž Teršek, three of whom had already applied in at least one of the previous calls. The four candidates are vying for the seat of Dunja Jadek Pensa, whose term expired on 14 July last year.

Illegal migration down by 43% in first eight months y/y

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian police processed 5,833 illegal crossings of the border in the first eight months of 2021, 43% fewer than in the same period last year. The most frequently processed illegal migrants were from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who accounted for around a half of the total. The police note that the rise in the number of illegal crossings of the border is currently smaller than expected. The number of migrants who express the wish to apply for international protection has decreased, except in the case of Pakistani citizens.

Slovenian Zero Waste House wins New European Bauhaus award

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Slovenian Zero Waste House project is among the winners of the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars awards, given to concepts that exemplify sustainability, aesthetics and inclusiveness, the European Commission announced. Among the 10 categories is the category of buildings renovated in a spirit of circularity, where the Zero Waste House, a project to transform a 130-year-old residence in Žalec, was declared the winner. "These projects offer great hope for our fight against climate change and for a European Green Deal," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

MP urges fellow Slovenians to declare themselves in Croatia census

ZAGREB, Croatia - Barbara Antolić Vupora, the Croatian MP of Slovenian descent, appealed to fellow ethnic Slovenians in Croatia to declare themselves Slovenian in the ongoing census to ensure their grandchildren enjoy at least the same standard of minority rights as the minority enjoys today. She warned that Slovenians were slowly disappearing as a minority in Croatia, which could lead to a loss of rights they are guaranteed under Croatian legislation. In the most recent census in Croatia in 2011, 10,517 people declared themselves Slovenian, less than half the figure in 1991, at 22,376. In the 2001 census there were 13,713.

One migrant dead, four injured in car crash

PODLEHNIK/KOPER - One migrant died and four were injured when a car transporting nine illegal migrants from Pakistan crashed while fleeing from the police south of Ptuj, eastern Slovenia. Police tried to pull over the vehicle near the border with Croatia, but the driver kept going until he missed a turn and slid down an embankment, Maribor police said. The driver and a passenger fled the scene but one of them has already been arrested. A criminal investigation is ongoing.

Fifth biannual festival of Slovenians in Italy kicks off

TRIESTE, Italy - Slofest, a festival of Slovenian culture in Italy, is bringing three days of programme presenting activities of the Slovenian community in Italy: culture, art, sports and creativity. Unlike in the past when the main venue of the festival was Piazza della Borsa square, this year the main events will be held in Piazza Sant'Antonio Nuovo square. In the spirit of the multiculturalism of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, other communities - Serbian, Greek, Jewish and Lutheran - will also present themselves around the city as part of the festival.

Cerknica Lake dry for first time in 18 years

CERKNICA - Cerknica Lake is Slovenia's largest natural lake when full, but this September the intermittent lake is completely dry for the first time in 18 years, and it will take a lot of rain to fill it up again. "Official measurements show we have had about 30% of the normal amount of rain for this time of year by today," Dejvid Tratnik of the Notranjsko Regional Park said yesterday before rain clouds made their way into the country. While there should be at least some of the lake visible at this time of year, the water level has dropped to as low as 22 metres below the ground level.

STA, 17 September 2021 - Three persons were injured in a shooting in a bar at the BTC shopping district in Ljubljana on Friday afternoon, police said. Two were injured with firearms and the third sustained a blow with an object. All three were taken to hospital, but their lives are said not to be in danger.

The unknown perpetrators fled from the scene of the crime and have not yet been traced down, the Ljubljana Police Department told the STA.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, so the police could not provide more information. The motive of the crime remains unclear.

According to private broadcaster POP TV, several shots were heard at the bar, scaring other clients with some thinking a shooting spree was going on.

Witnesses also told POP TV that pepper spray was used, with several dozen police officers soon arrived at the scene.

STA, 17 September 2021 - Cerknica Lake (Cerkniško jezero) is Slovenia's largest natural lake when full, but this September the intermittent lake is completely dry for the first time in 18 years. It will take a lot of rain to fill it up again.

"Official measurements show we have had about 30% of the normal amount of rain for this time of year by today," Dejvid Tratnik of the Notranjsko Regional Park said on Thursday before rain clouds made their way into the country.

While there should be at least some of the lake visible at this time of year, the water level has dropped to as low as 22 metres below the ground level, one of the lowest watermarks ever since cavers have been doing official measurements.

"You can imagine how much rain it will take for the water level to rise at least to the bottom of the lake," said Tratnik.

The drought threatens the animal species living in and near the lake, so every time when the lake is dry fishermen are rescuing fish, crabs, amphibians and the offspring of grebes who are not yet capable of flying away.

Due to attempts in the past to dry it out, the lake eventually started going out several times a year. As a result of human activity, the flora and fauna species typical for the area started disappearing.

The populations of native fish species such as pikes are shrinking by the year. To restore their living environment, efforts are under way to re-establish the dynamics of seasonal variations in the lake as it was 200 years ago.

One such was renaturating the Stržen stream, a process that was successfully completed at the end of August.

"We filled up a canal that was dug up 90 years ago and restored natural pathways of water so as to keep water in the lake for at least some time and provide extra water for fish and other aquatic life," said Tratnik.

STA, 17 September 2021 - The government has adopted changes to the Covid pass mandate under which state administration employees working from office will need to be either Covid-19 reconvalescent or vaccinated starting from 1 October. It has also added several further exemptions to the recovered-vaccinated-tested (PCT) rule, lifting the age cap from 12 to 15 years.

The decision, taken by the correspondence session last night, means that testing will no longer be accepted for state administration employees in workplace as an alternative to vaccination or recent recovery from Covid-19 starting from 1 October.

Meanwhile, starting from Saturday, exemption from the PCT rule is being extended from children under 12 years of age to those younger than 15.

In addition to those who drop off or pick up young children in school and students on public transportation, the exemption is being extended to persons dropping off and picking up special needs children or elderly to care homes or day centres.

Presenting the changes today, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said that exemptions would also apply to users of health services when they get vaccinated against or tested for Covid.

A further exemption in the case of health services will be in cases of medical referrals labelled urgent or very fast, and in emergency social and family affairs cases.

After a call by the equality ombudsman yesterday, an exemption to the PTC rule will also apply to access to charities and other points providing basic necessities to people in need.

The PCT obligation will also not be mandatory for urgent supply with basic goods and necessities, providing public peace and order, security and defence as well as to petrol stations for persons engaged in international transport who leave the country within 12 hours.

The exemptions will also newly apply for recipients of registered mail when they need to accept the delivery in person to avoid legal consequences.

Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik said the new PC rule will only apply to the public administration in the narrow sense, that is government departments and their bodies, inspection services, police and army and administrative units, rather than the whole public sector.

The new rule will only apply to staff doing their job from the workplace. "Exempt are those who cannot get vaccinated for health reasons, they will have the option of self-testing as an exception."

Koritnik said the aim of the measure was to prevent spread of infections at workplace and to ensure undisrupted functioning of the state administration.

"We aren't forcing any state administration employee to get vaccinated, we're not mandating compulsory vaccination, but we do want the measure to be an additional encouragement to get vaccinated," he said.

"All those who don't want to get vaccinated will theoretically be able to work from home if the nature and type of work and the work process make that possible."

If work cannot be organised from home, the employer will be able to take measures in accordance with the employment relationship legislation.

The new PC rule for public administration will kick in on 1 October, which should give all state administration bodies enough time to adapt and organise work and employees to get vaccinated.

To meet the new rule on 1 October, the first jab will be enough but only on the condition that the second is administered by 1 November.

Koritnik said the government was recommending employers to review risk assessment in view of the Covid epidemic and take measures accordingly.

Mateja Logar, the head of Covid-19 advisors to the government, said they had proposed introducing PC rule for all citizens when two thirds of available ICU beds for Covid patients were filed.

The government's decision to start with the PC rule in the state administration was an additional decision, she said.

But she believes the PC rule will likely need to be expanded to other groups of population as well.

STA, 16 September 2021 - Tour organisers can hope to get an additional EUR 10 million in aid to refund clients who have paid holiday packages which were then cancelled due to the pandemic, the Economy Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry will provide the funds to the Slovenian Enterprise Fund, which will offer loans to tour organisers - with small, medium-sized and large companies eligible.

This should enable the tourism companies to repay the debt stemming from package holiday contracts.

Tour organisers offered their clients vouchers for the cancelled trips, but not all of them accepted them, which is in line with consumer protection legislation.

Based on Covid relief legislation, tour organisers must now refund the consumers for all payments. They have to do so in 12 months after the epidemic was declared over.

The ministry said this is the first tranche of aid, which should help primarily large tour organisers.

So far, tour organisers have not reported about any major difficulties in refunding the clients.

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: 

Widespread condemnation in wake off Wednesday's riot

LJUBLJANA - Officials and politicians from both sides of the isle condemned Wednesday's rioting in which seven police officers were injured and several police vehicles were damaged after an initially peaceful protest against the Covid pass mandate turned violent. Nine rioters were apprehended. PM Janez Janša said the government will not yield to pressure and Interior Minister Aleš Hojs described the rioting as "scandalous for a democratic society" and a "realisation of left fascism in practice". First estimates by Ljubljana city put the damage of riots at EUR 7,000.

Opposition demands changes to Covid pass mandate

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) filed for a session of the parliamentary Health Committee to discuss the Covid pass requirement for virtually all activities and services that entered into force yesterday. The party opposes the requirement being mandatory for access to health services, public transport and petrol stations. The opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) wants the rules changed to allow all children and youth unlimited access to medical service, while the equal opportunities ombudsman and the SocDems urged lifting Covid pass mandate for access to charities.

More than 1,300 new coronavirus cases, six deaths

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,324 new coronavirus infections were confirmed in Slovenia on Wednesday in 6,703 PCR tests, with the positivity rate down slightly. According to the government, hospitalisations are down by six to 341, but the number of patients in intensive care increased to 83. Six people died of Covid-19. As the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control updated its Covid-19 map of Europe, the western half of Slovenia turned dark red, while the eastern part remains red, although the whole country has already met the criterion for dark red with 14-day incidence per 100,000 over 500.

Covid pass mandatory at gatherings of over 50

LJUBLJANA - Th government mandated that a Covid pass will be required at gatherings of over 50 people, be it organised public events or public indoor or outdoor gatherings. This means participants will need to be vaccinated, tested or have proof of recovery. So far, the Covid pass was required for events with up to 100 participants and at indoor public events regardless of the number of participants. The government also extended existing border restrictions.

Janša dismisses alleged lobbying contacts

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša dismissed alleged lobbying contacts with the lobbyist Božo Dimnik and businessman Andrej Marčič as having nothing to do with lobbying. Speaking for Planet TV on Wednesday night, Janša said that over twenty years he had played golf with practically everyone who has played golf in Slovenia. "I have never done any deals with the gentlemen you have mentioned and it is sad that the self-proclaimed KUL opposition, which does not have a programme, now uses this to create the impression it is doing something."

Commission session on lobbying suspended after no-show by Janša

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Public Finances was supposed to debate allegations of improper lobbying contacts by Prime Minister Janez Janša. The session was suspended because Janša did not attend. Janša was offered three dates and the possibility to set a date himself, but he excused himself saying that he had "obligations concerning the performance of the presidency of the EU and pre-agreed commitments," according to commission chair Igor Peček.

Slovenia growth forecast substantially upgraded

LJUBLJANA - The Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development, the government's economic forecaster, upgraded Slovenia's growth forecast for the year to 6.1%, 1.5 percentage points up from its spring outlook. It projects for GDP growth to then ease off to 4.7% in 2022 and 3.3% in 2023. The improvement is due to more upbeat projections in the international environment, faster than expected growth so far this year a fast adjustment of businesses and consumers to the new situation.

Portorož hosts European Asylum Support Office meeting

PORTOROŽ - A two-day meeting of the management board of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) is being held in Portorož, with one of the topics being reforming the EASO into a European agency for asylum, with which it would assume new obligations and tasks. Interior Minister Aleš Hojs addressed the press on the occasion, pointing to the flexibility of the office in supporting EU member states, and expressed the expectation that aid is also directed towards third countries.

Tonin meets Hungarian counterpart to debate defence cooperation

CELJE - The Slovenian and Hungarian defence ministers, Matej Tonin and Tibor Benko, discussed bilateral military and defence cooperation as they held a meeting on Wednesday. Tonin thanked his counterpart on Hungary's assistance to Slovenia in controlling Slovenia's air space, with Benko assuring him that assistance would continue to be provided. Tonin and Benko touched on the efforts to ensure stability and peace in the Western Balkans, with both countries labelling this as priority for stability in the broader region.

Slovenia gets ownership of Rome flat through Yugoslav succession

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will become the owner of a diplomatic apartment in Rome as part of the succession process after the break-up of Yugoslavia. The country already uses the apartment as a residence of the ambassador to the Holy See. The agreement was reached at the latest session of the relevant joint committee. It was agreed that Serbia will hand over the documentation on the apartment by the end of the year, which will be followed by the transfer of ownership to the Republic of Slovenia.

Minister for Slovenians abroad starts US visit

CLEVELAND, US - Helena Jaklitsch, the minister for Slovenians abroad, started a 10-day visit to Slovenians in the USA, beginning in Cleveland, Ohio and concluding in Lemont, Illinois. The overarching theme is the 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence. The 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence will be celebrated on Thursday at Cleveland City Hall with the opening of the exhibition "Us and Them without Frontiers" and a presentation of Slovenian cuisine.

Počivalšek gets mandate to merge SMC with pro-business party

CELJE - Delegates of the coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) gave party leader Zdravko Počivalšek the mandate for a merger, a tie-up and cooperation with other related parties and lists at the next general election. They also adopted a manifesto and programme for the election and elected ten new members of the party council. The party is to merge with the Economically Active Party (GAS), a pro-business party headed by National Council President Alojz Kovšca, possibly before the end of the year.

BSH Hišni Aparati to receive EUR 7.7 million subsidy

NAZARJE - The Nazarje-based home appliance maker BSH Hišni aparati, a Slovenian subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, will receive a state subsidy worth EUR 7.7 million. The investment will create 62 new jobs, including at least 12 for highly qualified employees, the Economy Ministry said. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek will sign a subsidy agreement with BSH Hišni Aparati CEO Boštjan Gorjup on Friday at the International Trade Fair in Celje.

Ana Roš among the world's top 10 chefs

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Michelin starred chef Ana Roš from Hiša Franko has placed seventh in the rankings of the world's top chefs compiled by The Best Chef Awards 2021. Roš, who is the highest-ranked female chef on this year's list, has climbed 11 places from last year, according to The Best Chef Awards website. Adding to Hiša Franko's success, Maša Salopek, who has been with the Kobarid-based eatery since 2018, won the best chef pastry award for the year 2021.

Innovator and sound engineer Emilija Soklič wins Badjura award

LJUBLJANA - The recipient of this year's Badjura Award, given out for lifetime achievements in film since 1995, is the innovator and film sound engineer Emilija Soklič, one of the first Slovenian professional female film industry workers and an innovator in sound design. She will receive the award at the opening of the 24th Slovenian Film Festival on 12 October.

Drama Ljubljana's new season brings mixture of old and new

LJUBLJANA - SNG Drama Ljubljana, the country's leading theatre, will stage some old plays, some based on films and others it has commissioned itself, Drama's manager Igor Samobor said as the company presented its new season, which will open on 25 September with The Arsonists, a production based on Max Frisch's play. Milan Kundera's Jacques and His Master, directed by Dorian Šilec Petek, will follow in October, and Simona Hamer's newly written Everything OK (Vse OK) will be staged in December.

Classical music from Balkans in centre of Maribor Festival

MARIBOR - The Western Balkans is in the centre of musical exploration at this year's Maribor Festival which got under way with a concert featuring the artist-in-residence, North Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski, and the SNG Maribor Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Romanian conductor Gabriel Bebeselea. The festival will bring canon works of the classical repertoire and popular works of the western music tradition.

Robert Simonišek wins best essay collection prize

LJUBLJANA - Robert Simonišek, an author and art historian born in Celje in 1977, has won the 2021 Rožanc Prize for best collection of essays for Pejsaži - Sanjati na Soncu (Landscapes - Dreaming in the Sun). In his collection of 15 essays Simonišek reflects on themes as diverse as loneliness, love, populism, culture, artistic creativity and the virus. Named after essayist Marjan Rožanc, the prize will be presented on Saturday in the village of Rašica.

STA, 16 September - A Covid pass will be required at gatherings of over 50 people, be it organised public events or public indoor or outdoor gatherings, the government decided on Thursday. This means participants will need to be vaccinated, tested or have proof of recovery.

The changes to the decree on temporary restrictions to public gatherings will step into force a day after being published in the Official Gazette.

So far, the Covid pass was required for events with up to 100 participants and at indoor public events regardless of the number of participants.

The government also changed today the rules for exceptions to the quarantine rule following a risky contact for vaccinated persons. Under the new rules, a person vaccinated with AstraZeneca will not be ordered to quarantine after a risky contact if they received the second shot at least 15 days earlier. So far, it was 21 days.

Existing border restrictions were also extended today.

STA, 16 September 2021 - Slovenian Michelin starred chef Ana Roš from Hiša Franko has placed seventh in the rankings of the world's top chefs compiled by The Best Chef Awards 2021. Her pastry chef Maša Salopek was named the world's best pastry chef.

Roš, who is the highest-ranked female chef on this year's list, has climbed 11 places from last year, according to The Best Chef Awards website.

It was Roš who first put Slovenia on the world's culinary map, after The World's Best Restaurants Academy awarded her the title of Best Female Chef in 2017. Last year, her restaurant was the first in the country to receive two Michelin stars.

Adding to Hiša Franko's success, Salopek, who has been with the Kobarid-based eatery since 2018, won the best chef pastry award for the year 2021.

Slovenian food blog Open Kitchen said Salopek was responsible for "several masterful elements of the Hiša Franko menu, especially the complex desserts."

The Best Chef Top 100 Award for the best chef in the world went to Dabiz Munoz, a Spanish chef from the restaurant DiverXo in Madrid.

Second place went to Björn Frantzen from Sweden, while Andoni Luis Aduriz from Spain was ranked third, making a huge jump from 45th place last year.

This year's list features chefs from 29 countries worldwide, out of which Spain performs best with 15 chefs on the list.

The Best Chef describes itself as "a vibrant, world community of passionate food lovers and a project dedicated to celebrating the many talented chefs that create the best food experiences around the world."

The winners of the Best Chef Awards are selected from a shortlist of 200 nominees, which include 100 "fresh faces" and the Top 100 from the previous year, who are automatically nominated again.

The "fresh faces" are selected through recommendations by food journalists, critics, bloggers, photographers and other notable people with a broad knowledge of fine dining.

The shortlist is announced every year at the end of April.

STA, 16 September 2021 - Seven police officers were injured and several police vehicles damaged on Wednesday after an initially peaceful protest featuring several thousand people against the Covid pass mandate turned violent. Nine rioters were apprehended, police said on Thursday. Interior Minister Aleš Hojs described the rioting as "scandalous".

Police broke up the rally after protesters started throwing bottles, rocks and lit torches at police and the Parliament House, breaking a dozen windows on the building. Tear gas and a water cannon were deployed.

Police Commissioner Anton Olaj told the press on Thursday that freedom of expression and assembly was a legitimate right, but it must be exercised without violence.

"We condemn all violence, including the conduct of protesters at yesterday's rally in Ljubljana, where mass violations of law and order occurred."

Olaj said more such incidents were expected. "We are ready and will continue to act as demanded by the law." He stressed that everyone who organises rallies must realise that they will be held accountable in the end, which includes covering the costs.

There has been criticism in the media of how police handled the protests, in particular the low number of officers at the start and the absence of fencing, which is a typical feature of smaller anti-government protests that take place at the same location each Friday.

Tomislav Omejec, the head of the general police sector at the General Police Department, said protection was organised based on the information available at the time, gleaned largely from Facebook posts.

Police numbers were stepped up once nightfall approached and officers protecting the Parliament House detected pressure escalating, he said.

Interior Minister Hojs described the rioting as "scandalous for a democratic society" and a "realisation of left fascism in practice", after yesterday accusing "offshoots" of left parties of being responsible for the riots.

Asked whether he had any evidence for that, he said it would be "difficult to prove directly whether this or that person called anyone, but this is a pattern that we saw last year", he said in reference to violent 5 November protests.

Unofficial information obtained by news portal N1 indicates that many rioters were football hooligans, who joined a rally that featured diverse groups of opponents of vaccination, masks and a wide spectrum of those displeased with the latest Covid pass mandate.

Hojs dismissed reports that the majority of the protesters were peaceful and that only a handful were problematic, noting that such rallies were always potentially risky if organisers allow groups that want incidents to join.

He also drew parallels with the anti-government protests that have been held each Friday for over a year. "If you look at the composition of people who were there yesterday, at least some of them have been regular visitors of Friday protests."

The rally was organised by several large Facebook groups, including a small political party called Resni.ca, whose leader Zoran Stevanovič said in a press release today that the original event had "nothing to do" with the subsequent violence.

"Because the authorities did not know how to divert attention from this public gathering, they activated a group of rioters immediately after the end of the rally to stage a battle with police... Unfortunately, many peaceful participants who were already dispersing suffered the consequences of police repression," he said.