Political philosophy

Breakthroughs in social policy

Social policy and the welfare state comprise the greatest social - and political - accomplishment of the Metapolitefsi and of this democracy. Every government from 1974 onward strengthened the country's social policy - some to a greater, others to a lesser degree.

Undermining institutions

The practice of incorporating unrelated amendments into proposed legislation tabled in Parliament, particularly when it involves last-minute adjustments that serve obvious political self-interest, like those reducing the powers of local government, represents a continual erosion of the quality of parliamentary governance. 

A steady compass

Events rarely do political planning any favors. They have a way of blindsiding decision-makers and overturning even the best-laid plans. Before taking office again, the government's top officials had emerged from a long period of successive crises and two election campaigns. Then the wildfires came. 

A crucial choice

The long pre-election period and the clear result of the May 21 ballot may have created a sense that Sunday's vote is something of a formality. This is far from the case. 

In fact, this election is more important than the last one because it will determine whether the country will have a government for the next four years and how it will be governed. 

Additional seat for Slovenia in EU Parliament

Slovenia will get an additional seat in the European Parliament under a proposal adopted by the parliament on 15 June. The new distribution must now be okayed by the heads of state.

The proposal would award two seats to Spain and the Netherlands, and one to Slovenia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Ireland and Latvia.

Slovenia would thus have nine seats.

China struggles with weak post-COVID economic recovery

Sales of Yizhuan Automobile Co.'s trash trucks picked up after China ended anti-virus controls in December, but their growth is in low gear as managers struggle to rebuild business lost during the pandemic.

China's economy rebounded at the start of 2023, but after a good first quarter, factory output and consumer spending are weakening.

China's exports fall 7.5 pct in May

China's exports fell in May for the first time since February, data showed yesterday, breaking a two-month growth streak as a post-Covid rebound faded and adding to speculation that officials will unveil fresh stimulus measures.

Rising global inflation, the threat of recession elsewhere and geopolitical tensions with the United States have weakened demand for Chinese products.

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