Zdravko

Ljubljana – Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek took part in the virtual European Space Conference to present the opportunities for Slovenian science and economy brought by the country’s participation in the European Space Agency. He sees this sector as an opportunity for successful recovery after the coronavirus crisis.

Brdo pri Kranju – The government on Friday pledged to continue to help companies that are increasingly struggling as the coronavirus crisis is not letting up. “We will help the economy pull through and begin recovering as soon as possible,” Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said at a press conference in Brdo pri Kranju.

Brdo pri Kranju – Prime Minister Janez Janša expects his government to continue business as usual after 15 January when the centre-left opposition plans to file a vote of no confidence. Janša as well as other two coalition leaders expect the government will successfully complete its term.

Ljubljana – The Court of Audit has found the purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the spring wave of coronavirus were inefficient, according to a leaked draft report obtained by the newspaper Delo. The report does not name anyone in particular as especially problematic.

Ljubljana – The Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (TZS) has called on the authorities to immediately relax the restrictive measures affecting non-essential shops in statistical regions with the most favourable epidemiological situation. It notes that shop owners are running out of contingency reserves and that state aid does not cover all costs.

Ljubljana – The Competition Protection Agency has given the go-ahead for Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) to take over spa operator Terme Olimia in what is seen as a step in the creation of a state hospitality holding.

Ljubljana – The newspaper Dnevnik takes issue in Monday’s commentary with the decision of the Modern Centre Party (SMC) to stay in the Janez Janša-led government despite his constant abuse. While agreeing that Karl Erjavec might not be the best option for prime minister, the paper says the party is also unhappy with all other potential candidates.

Ljubljana – The Modern Centre Party (SMC) council decided late on Wednesday not to endorse Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS) leader Karl Erjavec as candidate for prime minister-designate. The SMC remains open for dialogue and cooperation with all parliamentary parties “in light of constant one-sided provocations” by the ruling Democrats (SDS), the party said.

Ljubljana – The Court of Audit has completed a draft report on the purchasing of protective personal equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus epidemic. The report will not be made public until the audited institutions and individuals have given their comments, but court president Tomaž Vesel said that suspicion of criminal conduct had been detected.

Ljubljana – Karl Erjavec, who is slated for a candidate for prime minister-designate by the informal KUL coalition, said on Monday after meeting KUL representatives that “it is clear that we also need support by the SMC party if we want a new government”. Talks with the coalition party are thus in store.