Alenka

Ljubljana – The opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) adopted a new programme on Saturday. The 15-point platform revolves around the welfare state supported by a strong economy, democracy and respect for the rule of law.

“Everything we do, we do for the people and their future,” Party leader Alenka Bratušek said in her address to the delegates.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Defence Committee approved the draft resolution on the general long-term programme for the development and equipping of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) until 2035. The resolution is strongly opposed by the Left party, which plans to propose a consultative referendum.

Osilnica/Ljubljana – The small border municipality Osilnica in the south of the country and government representatives have signed a deal under which the state will finance the completion of a care home for the elderly Osilnica started building in 2004 but put on hold in 2008 due to a shortage of funds.

Ljubljana – The keynote speaker at the main ceremony marking Statehood Day and the 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence will be President Borut Pahor, while PM Janez Janša and President of the European Council Charles Michel will deliver addresses as well. The event will be open to everyone, the Government Communication Office (UKOM) said.

Ljubljana – The opposition-controlled Commission for Oversight of Public Finances debated on Wednesday the impact of the proposed tax reform on public finances, with one of the adopted conclusions assessing the reform as an inappropriate fiscal response to the current crisis.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly rejected in a 46:43 vote on Tuesday a proposal from the centre-left opposition for a consultative referendum on the government-sponsored bill on the national Demographic Fund.

The bill was adopted by the government last autumn and its passed a second reading in the National Assembly in March.

Ljubljana – The ruling Democrats (SDS) have defended a draft resolution they plan to adopt at the upcoming congress and which warns about the possibility of civil war and leftist extremism, as the opposition stepped up criticism of a document they claim constitutes scaremongering.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly has narrowly rejected opposition-sponsored changes to the act on the construction of a new railway line between the port of Koper and Divača seeking to strike out the option that allows foreign capital to be invested in the project. Coalition MPs pointed to the role of foreign countries in the port’s development.

Ljubljana, 3 May – A month-long fundraising campaign kicked off on World Press Freedom Day in a bid to secure funding for the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), which has not received budget funds for the performance of public service for four months.

Ljubljana – Several parties welcomed on Thursday the European Commission’s announcement that the state funding of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) does not constitute state aid because the STA is performing a public service. Most opposition parties said the government had inquired about this to delay the payment. The government has not responded.