Protests and Political Instability in Slovenia Before EU-Western Balkans Summit

In the past three weeks, three protests with a record number of protesters in Slovenia's history, took place in the country. The demands were early elections and the abolition of binding measures regarding COVID-19

Prime Minister Janez Janša said the government would "not cave to pressure" after Zoran Stevanović, the leader of the protests against the Covid pass mandate, called on the government to resign or face new protests, including a blockade of the upcoming EU-Western Balkans summit. He called on the competent authorities to take action.

The more trouble protesters make, the more the EU will understand and support the government's measures, Janša said in a text circulated on social media on Sunday.

"Look around and you'll see that across the EU there are quite a few people similar to you who exploit people's anxiety, hamper health measures, foment unrest, and claim that the earth is flat.

Janša also took a swipe at the media, noting that "nowhere else do mainstream media turn them into heroes," adding that this was why Slovenia has a vaccination rate below the EU average and was paying a higher price in the battle against the epidemic.

"We're all hostages to you and people like you who are in a clear minority despite rowdiness, and who declare yourselves 'the people.'"

The prime minister went on to say that Slovenia is suffering significant economic damage as a result, as mass gatherings not in compliance with restrictions spread the virus across the country, causing disease and death.

He said the conduct caused by Stevanovič and his announcements for the future indicate he may be in violation of three articles of the criminal code, including provisions that make it a criminal offense to...