National Demographic Fund

Ljubljana – All social partners attending a meeting hosted by President Borut Pahor on Thursday are ready to restore dialogue on the Economic and Social Council (ESS), Pahor said after the talks. An agreement on restoring the dialogue will be prepared by a spacial negotiating group.

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 – Trade union confederations said they had decided to leave the Economic and Social Council (ESS), the country’s industrial relations forum, because the government had practically abolished social dialogue and thus deprived them of the seats at the negotiating table. They warned the government’s action was leading to a conflict.

Ljubljana – The International Workers’ Day, 1 May, will this year again be marked by epidemic-related restrictions. Trade unions call for job security, decent pensions, social security but also for safety at work, so that workers are not exposed to infection. Traditional celebrations with big bonfires on the eve of the holiday will not take place.

Ljubljana – The government of Janez Janša took over a year ago, just as the coronavirus epidemic started. Analysts think the cabinet has failed in communication with the public during the epidemic, while businesses assess stimulus measures as mostly good. In foreign policy, the government has moved to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly passed the National Demographic Fund bill at second reading last night, tweaking the bill slightly via amendments by the coalition, but voting down a number of amendments tabled by the opposition, including the one exempting the STA from the fund.

Ljubljana – Four centre-left opposition parties propose the National Assembly call a consultative referendum on the government-sponsored bill on the National Demographic Fund, arguing its concept is flawed. If their proposal is not adopted, they will initiate a legislative referendum once the bill is passed.

Ljubljana – The STA staff has made a public appeal to lawmakers and heads of political parties, expressing concern after an amendment was passed yesterday under which the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) would be folded into the emerging National Demographic Fund.

Ljubljana – The emerging National Demographic Fund might become the founder and the only shareholder of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), according to an amendment to the government-sponsored bill on the new fund. The agency’s founder and only shareholder is now the Republic of Slovenia, with the government acting on behalf of the state.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Finance Committee adopted a series of amendments to the National Demographic Fund bill on Wednesday, mostly based on remarks from the parliamentary legal service. The opposition walked out after its amendments, which would change the basic concept of the fund, were voted down.