Social Democrats

Ljubljana – A group of opposition parties has requested a parliamentary inquiry into alleged political interference in police work during a period from 13 March 2020, when the Janez Janša government was sworn in, to the launching of the inquiry.

Ljubljana – Janez Poklukar, a 42-year-old doctor-turned health manager who has been leading Slovenia’s largest medical centre through the biggest ever health crisis, was appointed new health minister by the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Backed by 50 votes to 31, Poklukar is the country’s 18th health minister since 1990, including two who have been appointed twice.

The Slovenian government led by Janez Jansa of the right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party, SDS survived a no-confidence vote after a marathon session in parliament on Monday evening.

Ljubljana – Prime Minister Janez Janša said in parliament on Monday as the debate started on a motion of no-confidence in the government that the initiators of the motion, a group of opposition parties known as the Constitutional Arch Coalition (KUL), were wasting taxpayers’ time and money.

Ljubljana – The five left-leaning opposition parties have filed again a motion for a constructive vote of no confidence in the government of Janez Janša, with Karl Erjavec, the president of the Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS), as candidate for prime-minister designate.

Ljubljana – The opposition Social Democrats (SD), Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), the Left and the Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) have filed an ouster motion against Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti. Talking to the press on Friday, opposition MPs listed a number of arguments, among them ineffective Covid crisis measures in the culture sector.

Brdo pri Kranju – The leaders of coalition parties stressed on Thursday their commitment to continue working together as the government faces a vote of no-confidence in parliament. They plan to analyse the situation by 15 February, according to Prime Minister Janez Janša. A cabinet reshuffle is also possible.

Ljubljana – Education Minister Simona Kustec said she had expected the motion to oust her filed by four opposition parties today. “I accept it as an opportunity to again explain the activities of the Education, Science and Sports Ministry in my term.”

Ljubljana – Four opposition parties have filed a motion to oust Education, Science and Sport Minister Simona Kustec over what they see as “unprofessional and harmful policies” in organising child care and education during the epidemic, which has led to the longest school and kindergarten closure in Europe. She was urged to resign before the vote.

Ljubljana – Two of Slovenia’s nine parliamentary parties have declined President Borut Pahor’s invitation to a joint meeting aimed at reaching a consensus on the need for the country to focus the epidemic, a post-pandemic recovery and the country’s EU presidency. Nevertheless, he has high expectations for the meeting.