Večer critical of govt decision to pull out of Boxer deal

Ljubljana – The government’s decision to rescind the Boxer defence deal was not a good one, says Večer on Saturday, noting that Slovenia does not have a long-term strategic reflection on the development of the armed forces.

The debate on the matter should not have revolved around the value for money, but around an issue that has not yet been settled in Slovenia: What does the country want to do with its army anyway?

The military development strategy should not be a matter for each government to decide, instead it should be formed through long-term decision making based on political consensus.

“The decision therefore shows that the country does not have a long-term strategic reflection on the direction of development of the armed forces,” says the commentary under the headline In the End the Army is Losing, adding the the military is now on the brink of another blow amid political struggles.

Defence Minister Marjan Šarec has put himself in an unenviable position, as his job is to strive for equipment as up-to-date as possible, but his decision seems to go against this. His predecessor, Matej Tonin, also did his share in this chaotic situation, since he signed the deal after the April election where voters stated they wanted change.

“In an escalating geopolitical situation and in the face of one of the most unpredictable winters, Slovenian society remains as divided as ever.”

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