Freedom Movement

Ljubljana – The ruling Freedom Movement is staying in the lead, polling at 33% in the June Vox Populi opinion poll commissioned by the newspapers Dnevnik and Večer. For the first time in two years, the work of the government is viewed as successful, although almost half of respondents remain undecided.

Ljubljana – As Marta Kos, a vice president of the ruling Freedom Movement, and ex-Information Commissioner Nataša Pirc Musar are considering running for president, Večer wonders whether Slovenia will get its first woman president when incumbent Borut Pahor’s second five-year term runs out in December and he cannot stand for a third term.

Ljubljana – The coalition Freedom Movement and the Left are reserved about both appeals public figures have addressed to the government regarding Slovenia’s stance on the war in Ukraine, while the two opposition parties have expressed unequivocal support for today’s cross-partisan open letter calling for stronger support for Ukraine.

Ljubljana – The new centre-left coalition expects the political situation to de-escalate now that the new parliament has started its work, and the level of the debate to be raised. Coalition deputy groups note the importance of cooperation in tackling challenges and stress they are well prepared and will work together to implement their plans.

Ljubljana – The Freedom Movement has gained 4.6 percentage points to 31% in the June poll commissioned by the newspaper Delo to extend its margin ahead of the Democratic Party (SDS) to 9.5 points, despite the opposition party reaching its high watermark.

Maribor – Prime Minister Robert Golob visited Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city, on Monday, underlining that the only right way forward for the country is polycentric development. He believes the eastern half of the country needs a capital that would equal Ljubljana, adding that Maribor has a lot to offer.

Ljubljana – Prime Minister Robert Golob will travel to Brussels next week to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, his office told the STA on Tuesday. This will be his first visit to EU institutions following his government taking office last Wednesday.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Commission for Slovenians Abroad has endorsed the candidacy of Matej Arčon from the Freedom Movement for minister without portfolio for Slovenians abroad. Nine MPs voted for and two against his bid to head the office for Slovenian ethnic minorities in Slovenia’s neighbours and the diaspora around the globe.

Ljubljana – Parliamentary working bodies were set up at Wednesday’s session and can now start their work despite the fact that the opposition Democrats (SDS) did not nominate their candidates for chairs and vice-chairs in protest over the breakdown of these posts.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly elected Robert Golob prime minister in a 54:30 vote on Wednesday, just over a month after his Freedom Movement won the general election in a landslide on a pledge to thoroughly reform the way politics is done in Slovenia.