Slovenian Parliament Dismisses Defence Minister over Telecom Scandal

Photo: www.travel-slovenia.si

The Slovenian Parliament dismissed the country's Defence Minister Janko Veber on Thursday.

According to media reports, the reason for Veber's dismissal is the telecom privatisation scandal that has erupted in the country.

Prime Minister Miro Cerar had requested his resignation after a parliamentary committee revealed that Veber had asked the military intelligence service to assess the impact of the ongoing privatisation of the state-owned Telekom on state security, DefenseNews reports.

The Parliament dismissed Veber, who had refused to resign, with 68 votes in favour and 11 against, RTV Slovenija informs.

PM Cerar announced that the dismissal of Veber did not signify an end to the coalition government, which continued to function as usual.

According to him, the problem was not the sale of Telekom itself, but Veber's unlawful engagement of the intelligence service for purposes for which it should not be engaged.

Cerar stated that he is expecting a proposal from the Social Democrats for a new minister to replace Veber.

The leader of the Social Democrats and Agriculture Minister Dejan Zidan will temporarily act as Defence Minister until a permanent one is appointed.

Zidan said that he will recommend to the presidency of the Social Democrats that the party should remain within the coalition government.

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