Hello. Exactly 100 days ago,
on June 1, 2022, the 15th Government of Slovenia was sworn in,
Robert Golob's government, so I would like to introduce
Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon.
Deputy Prime Minister Luke Mesec.
And, of course, Prime Minister Robert Golob.
Welcome to this more relaxed atmosphere, which you promised us
even before the election.
The Golob government took office at a very difficult time.
The citizens, the economy, civil society, and others hadn't yet
recovered from the Covid pandemic when the war in Ukraine broke out
and the European company faced an energy crisis.
Because of difficult foreign and domestic circumstances, the Golob
government neither expected nor enjoyed 100 days of peace.
Autumn and winter are coming.
Because of the exceptional hike in energy prices, the two seasons
will be among the most difficult in postwar Europe. That's why
the government immediately introduced measures to combat
rising prices. It's also active in the European arena.
Despite Slovenia's small size, the combined knowledge
of the energy sector in the Golob government
enables it to suggest measures to the European Commission.
On April 24, voters clearly expressed their wish
for a government that would do things differently.
The Golob government has brought them dialog,
stability, and trust.
What specific things did the government do for the people
of Slovenia in the first 100 days? Infrastructure Minister Bojan Kumar
will introduce measures in the energy sector.
Mr. Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers,
colleagues, MPs, journalists, and other guests.
The energy and the price crisis are not just Slovenia's problems,
but a global occurrence that will certainly change our lives.
They already require us
to make considered interventions in the market, to be decisive,
patient, and calm, to introduce goal-oriented, coordinated measures,
and to work together. Autumn and winter are ahead of us,
and they'll be unlike any we've seen before, but we're ready.
The first 100 days of our government passed quickly, at least
for our ministry.
We've prepared comprehensive, goal-oriented, and coordinated
measures to limit electricity and natural gas prices,
and devised a plan for preventative measures in special circumstances.
The foundations we've set in 100 days
will help us all weather the weeks and months again.
All these measures represent a balance between immediate action,
medium-term readiness, and long-term solutions.
We thought of today, and we're taking action for tomorrow.
The government has set the highest consumer
electricity prices for households and small businesses, as well as
the highest gas prices for protected consumers and small businesses.
These went into effect on September 1.
The prices will be somewhat higher than last year,
in relation to the current market conditions, they're much lower.
The energy prices have also prompted us to address efficiency.
The government has adopted measures and recommendations
for the energy efficiency of buildings in the public sector.
It has urged the private sector to act in a similar way.
To conserve energy, we do not cool rooms to less than 25°C,
or heat them to more than 20°C.
We made a step toward addressing energy poverty.
We passed on an order that will enable us to define
and address energy poverty. The government also prepared
three laws that will address energy prices,
the reliability of energy and natural gas supplies,
as well as an action plan in case of a serious crisis.
The government has worked on this legislation all summer long.
The most important law helps us manage crisis situations
in the gas and electricity markets in a coordinated manner.
It's a proposed law designed to minimize the effects
of crises with energy supplies. It contains temporary measures
to reduce risk and to ensure more reliable supplies,
less reliance on imports,
and lower price pressures due to energy market instability.
The second proposed law approved by the government concerns
the price of natural gas. The amendment expands
the definition of household users. We addressed an area that wasn't
addressed last year, when there was confusion,
and people received excessive heating bills.
The proposal also defines alternative supplies of gas
in case customers are left without a supplier.
The third law in the package is the so-called Guarantee Law.
This law aims to follow the example of other EU members
and enable energy suppliers access the liquidity in highly
unstable market conditions to ensure the supply of consumers
with imports. These measures will surely need to be amended
or expanded. I'm thinking of ongoing negotiations
regrading Solidarity Agreements with neighboring countries.
Nevertheless, I hope and trust that we're moving in the right direction,
as we've signed one such agreement with Italy.
Allow me to mention the increase in EU cohesion funds
for the construction of small solar plants from €19
to €37 million. This will enable around 100 additional megawatts
worth of solar power plants.
The ministry has also been involved in two proposed laws
filed by the opposition at the start of the government's term.
Such an approach dramatically changes the established practice
of rejecting potentially effective legislative solutions
vetted and amended by Parliament.
By adapting its legislative proposals and introducing
new laws, such as those governing the Krško Nuclear
Plant and comprehensive traffic solutions, the government
will support effective proposals drafted by the opposition,
even though the previous government showed no will to enact them.
We would like to see these two proposals passed as soon
as possible. These are just some of the projects our ministry
has drafted and brought to life in these 100 days.
I know that considerable work lies ahead of us,
but we have a very good team and plenty of positive energy.
May the remaining 1360 days be as serene as possible.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Minister.
The measures to combat rising prices,
which have now gone into effect, should also contribute
to the limiting of inflation. Because many of us are struggling,
the Golob government has paid particular attention to those
who need more help. These include welfare recipients,
recipients of care assistance, the disabled, as well as the employed.
The Minister of Labor, Family, Social Affairs,
and Equal Opportunities, Mr. Luka Mesec, please take the stage.
Mr. Prime Minster, Ms. Deputy Prime Minister, dear colleagues.
All of the members of the government
are aware that the coming winter will be difficult,
perhaps one of the most difficult in recent memory.
The government is well aware of this, but this doesn't mean
that we're backing off from our election commitments
or forgetting our promises. The opposite is true.
We will build on these policies despite the crisis,
and we will keep our promises, from the Green Transition
and inter-generational solidarity to the elimination of poverty.
We all wish to live in a country without poverty.
That's why, at the beginning of the energy crisis, our ministry
first offered assistance to the poorest households.
With the energy supplement, which we have drawn up, the assistance
will reach some 63,000 households or 116,000 individuals.
Many citizens have asked me who will be eligible for this aid.
An online calculator will soon be ready,
which will include aid criteria, and a way for each user
to calculate eligibility for the aid and its amount.
Because we don't just wish to distribute assistance,
but also target it, so that it covers the groups
that need it the most, we will join civic groups
to launch an awareness-raising campaign.
This year, an analysis by the Statistical Office
has again shown that women over 65 who live alone
are Slovenia's most at-risk group. Most are widows
and many didn’t even know that they are entitled
to welfare protection. This campaign
will invite them to make use of the welfare systems
to which they are entitled.
In the long term, this will prevent poverty
among these at-risk groups.
This will be done at the ministerial level, by welfare institutions,
and through awareness-raising campaigns.
This is something new for this country.
The aid should be seen as only a piece in a mosaic.
It's not the only form of assistance for households
and individuals during the crisis. The government
has been actively following global and European events.
We will respond to those as needed.
We're talking about food assistance
and the regulation of several foodstuffs.
After all, we want to address the challenges that lie before us
in an active way. Since I began by talking about how difficult
the coming winter will be,
let me emphasize that the government will do everything
that it will be difficult for the government,
but not for the people. Thank you.
Thank you. Minister. The measures taken by the government
in its first 100 days didn't ignore the problems faced by other groups:
farmers, fishermen, small business owners, and craftspeople,
as well as business, which is the driving force of our society,
and requires a predictable and stable environment.
The Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Matjaž Han,
will talk about what the government has done for them.
Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. and Ms. Deputy Prime Minister,
dear colleagues, MPs, ministers, secretaries,
and the press.
I know that I have to stick to protocol,
but any of the ministers could stand here
and explain what this government has accomplished.
Today, I have this privilege.
When I became a minister 100 days ago,
it was clear that there were difficult times ahead of us.
The high energy prices are endangering our economy,
our businesses, and our craftspeople.
I'm in touch with representatives of business and people who live
from their labor every day.
I'm hearing about struggles and fear of uncertainty
even in the most successful companies.
Entire sectors are facing great stress.
That's why I consider
the establishment of trust to be once of the key achievements
of the past 100 days. Trust among the ministries,
the government, business, workers, chambers, associations,
and individuals. Only by cooperating can we overcome this crisis,
by cooperation can also help us develop our economy,
a high-value economy open into the world,
a green, digital, and innovative economy,
and an economy that will address our country's and our society's
strategic interests.
That's why we need to address this crisis together
and with solidarity.
In the past 100 days, the ministry has carried out
several measures designed to make the business environment
as stable and predictable as possible,
even in these difficult times.
I'll talk about the regulation of fuel, even though
Minister Kumer has mentioned it already.
Because we’ve decided to regulate fuels,
both people and businesses
enjoy some of the lowest fuel prices in the neighborhood
outside of highways. This is significant.
Secondly, these regulated prices have saved
taxpayers' money.
In cooperation with various chambers,
we passed a law giving €40 million in aid
to help businesses cover electricity and natural gas expenses.
Businesses will receive direct aid in the amount of €500,000.
This will cover 30% of expenses, unless the gas and electricity
prices rise by a factor of two.
Big businesses will receive up to €2 million under the same criteria.
Liquidity is currently causing problems for business.
That's why more than €80 million of liquidity assistance
will be made available this month in the form of loans
from entrepreneurship funds in cooperation
with the SID Development Bank.
In addition to assistance to address the energy crisis,
we're involved in helping businesses grow.
This year, the ministry will allocate €670 million
of development funds. Our predecessors also did this,
and we'll carry on with an even faster pace.
This money will be used for research and development,
investments in greater productivity, the green and digital transitions,
and for greater funding of our high-quality tourism sector.
After all, we managed to secure more than €20 million additional
funds for investments in mountain resorts.
Within a week, we'll also announce a public tender
for €69 million of investments in tourism lodging.
Naturally, our attention is directed into the energy crisis.
Decisive regulation of the energy market
is what businesses expect from us.
We all know our Prime Minister as one of the biggest experts
both in Slovenia and internationally.
He's also a firm believer in decisive intervention
on the European level.
Businesses can expect comprehensive assistance
from this government. It consists of price regulation,
measures to preserve jobs, corporate liquidity measures,
and measures that will encourage investment in greater
energy self-sufficiency, efficiency, and security.
If I had my way,
our Irena Šinko should be joining us onstage now,
but I was told that I needed to read her work myself.
This government is characterized by good cooperation
between departments. I have the important task of summarizing
the work done to protect Slovenian farms
and the food industry, which Irena carried out phenomenally.
Irena, you'll correct me if needed.
We set aside more than €22 million for subsidies
covering fuel, fertilizers, equipment, and dairy aid.
Farm and fishing companies and cooperatives
have been included in co-financing mechanisms
intended to address high electricity and natural gas prices.
In a time of negative forecasts, the government has ensured
funds for the purchase of wheat in the about of €12 million.
We also defined the prices of 15 basic foodstuffs,
which will enable us to compare similar products
sold in major Slovenian grocery stores.
With this, we wish to limit price hikes
and control inflation, which is our key goal.
I'm about to conclude.
Ladies and gentlemen, if we work together,
this crisis can be an opportunity for quicker economic growth.
Our common goal is for the Slovenian economy to remain competitive
and capable of development.
With this, we're ensuring
good working conditions and high pay to employees,
and prosperity to our citizens
Thank you, Minister.
The government had pledged a comprehensive overhaul
of healthcare because a stable system of public health
is the foundation of a just welfare state.
The accessibility of the healthcare system to everyone, regardless
of their social status, is one of the government's priorities.
We're joined by the Minister of Health, Danijel Bešič Loredan.
Hello. Mr. Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, dear colleagues,
ministers, MPs, secretaries, and everyone else gathered here today.
We don't have much without good health,
but we can have everything with good health.
Our government wishes to create a stable, broadly accessible
public health system available to everyone.
We will put an end to the notion that has been widespread
over the past 30, and especially the past 20 years, that nothing
can be changed in Slovenian healthcare
and that things will just remain how they have always been.
We understand public healthcare
as everyone's right to visit a doctor
when needed and to receive safe and quality treatment,
regardless of our social status.
Over the first 100 days, we have sought solutions
and will continue to seek them for everyone's benefit.
The Law on Intervention Measures will enable us to do all we can
to reduce wait times, but it's just the first part of larger puzzle.
We will aside an additional €200 million
to reduce wait times.
We wish to digitalize the Slovenian healthcare system,
since this is the only way to ensure a transparent system.
Without digitalization, clearly defined wait times,
and a transparent IT system, we cannot accurately assess
how many people are waiting for a certain procedure.
From September 1 onward, all services will be paid for,
and this will last until the end of 2023.
We wish to better manage and organize our state
health institutions to ensure they work in the benefit of the people.
Over time, I expect no later than in six months,
we'll get a platform that will enable each of us
to sign up a service with the shortest wait times.
Primary care will be the basis of healthcare in Slovenia.
We must do all to reduce the pressure in primary care.
We will do everything to improve the accessibility to healthcare,
to family doctors, OB-GYNs, and pediatricians.
We must direct resident specialists
toward family medicine or we will no longer
have family doctors in 15 years. We must reduce the pressure on them,
so that nurses and other healthcare professionals
get the opportunity to do their work.
Yes, I was at the ministers' meeting in Prague yesterday.
We also have a difficult winter ahead of us,
but we're ready for Covid.
We'll protect the most vulnerable groups.
We'll do everything to percent the healthcare systems
from being shut down. We'll treat everyone,
regardless of their reason for coming.
We'll pay special attention to retirement homes,
where we'll do everything to keep things under control.
Unlike our predecessors,
we've returned decision-making to professionals.
That's the only way.
Professionals must be in control of the epidemic,
while the goal of this government is to keep society open
to make sure that Covid measures are known in advance,
and to enable us to live with Covid. The disease is here to stay,
and we will live with it. This is true for this winter
and for years to come. As we've accepted the flu
and other respiratory ailments, we'll also accept
Covid as a part of our healthcare system and society.
Let's listen to healthcare unions regarding pay.
We'll soon prepare the basis for negotiations,
so we can rebuild the damaged pay scale system
in the healthcare system.
This is the work of our predecessors,
but we're moving ahead and are ready to tackle challenges.
In the field of long-term care, no once will be left without care
on January 1, 2023.
We will clarify the legislation governing this area,
and everyone who enjoys care now will have access to it.
We will get the legislation in order, even if 15
additional referendums are called. We'll get this done.
Let's not forget what we have neglected during this time:
mental health and dementia. In late September, we'll have
a clear plan for mental health issues. After September 20,
we'll have a special press conference on this topic.
On the Mental Health Day in October, we'll meet
with the press, where we'll introduce our work so far.
I'll conclude with a slide
showing our Comprehensive Healthcare Reform.
This is a goal of our government and something no one
has managed before. Our goal for the patient to be at the center
of the healthcare system. Our goal is a health system
that is public, just,
accessible to all regardless of their social status,
transparent, and last but not least, corruption-free.
There is no truth to the notion that nothing can be changed
in the Slovenian healthcare system.
I, the Prime Minister, and the government all believe
it can be changed.
The team in the ministry will carry this out. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister.
We'll now move on to an interesting discussion
with heads of coalition parties. I won't be the one hosting it
because I'd be too kind, so here's our special guest,
Marcel Štefančič.
Hello, Marcel. -Hello.
Do you know what I'm missing? -What Janez Janša misses.
Perhaps. -That's why he seems lost lately.
He doesn't now exactly what's going on.
He sees Nataša Pirc Musar where she isn't.
OK, but I don't miss those two.
I miss what I often heard on Monday nights.
"Mr. President, Your Excellency Archbi..." -You forgot.
"Mrs. and Ms. Deputy Prime Minister..." -Mr. President
and Your Excellency the Archbishop. -You're much better at it.
You have 20 minutes. -I've hosted all three of you,
so you know how this works. I'm asking the questions,
and you're answering. You have 7-9 seconds to reply!
Prime Minister, you've been in power for 100 years.
According to the polls, the people still like you.
Have you thought of calling an early election?
Why? -So you’d get even more. Marjan Šarec tried that.
Let's call an early election. We'll get more than before.
We're fine. -It turned out that more is less.
Does this mean that the old proverb,
"Leave while you're still on top," is no longer valid?
We don't want to leave now. We have too many challenges.
I suppose it's like saying to Dončić at his peak to get lost.
We have four... eight... seven years ahead of us.
That's what we predicted.
Mr. Mesec, are you more satisfied with Slovenian capitalism
the second time around?
I see a lot of room for improvement over the next eight years.
I hear you lectured Slovenian capitalists about creative
destruction? -That's true. For the second time in two days.
But if I remember correctly, creative destruction
means that new technologies open up new markets.
This assumes a mature market. Is the Slovenian market mature enough?
Creative destruction means both the creation of the new
and the ruin of the old. I warned Slovenian capitalists
that innovation also involves destruction,
that progress destroys. That's why it's up
to the Ministry of Social Affairs to ensure a cohesive society
into which everyone is integrated. -I'm asking this, Prime Minister,
because I feel you've lost your craving for governance.
You're the largest party, but you have no presidential candidate.
Sometimes you have to control yourself and not talk about it.
But our election commitment is to take care of people.
The government is the key mechanism to carry that out.
But since you don't have a presidential candidate,
it seems as if you're leaving... -You have to wait.
We'll have this conversation next week.
But you were surprised that Marta Kos ended her run.
We certainly hadn't planned that.
Ms. Fajon, the irony is that all three coalition parties
are without their own presidential candidates.
This must be close to a world record.
These guys are probably following our lead,
and these guys are a step ahead, so I think much can change
in the next few days. -Do you have enough political power
and will now cede the presidency to Janša, for instance,
in the name of political fair play? -No, I'm sure that Slovenia
will get a center-left president, and there are many candidates
to choose from. Besides, the process isn't over.
We're all still talking.
But even the choices we already have are very good.
Mr. Mesec, you said you'll have a candidate.
Will it be M.V. or M.K.? I think they're both here.
We're currently still at E.D., our election debt.
Would you support Anže Logar? Tonin says he's drifted
to the left.
An interesting turn of events for a self-declared
centrist party.
A question for all three:
You will compete in the local elections, right?
We won't, because we're in the government, but our people will.
Well, you're here as the heads of parties.
So yes to the local elections? -Naturally.
Of course, I believe... -It's not that self-evident.
You don't have a presidential candidate. -But we have mayors
who are good and will do well.
A party shouldn't skip any election.
Let's address personnel matters. We're hearing that the Freedom
Movement is going it alone in personnel matters.
Who is spreading these rumors?
We're probably the ones, so we get them off our backs.
Are the rumors accurate?
I'd put it differently.
The most dissatisfaction came from your party.
It's not some big dissatisfaction. We're primarily interested
in how these companies will function
and the professional qualification and transparency of their managers.
What was the worst personnel decision so far?
I could name several examples, but we've talked about this
already, so what's the point? We're now looking ahead.
Forget Janša. Was there any personnel decision of his
that wasn't controversial? But I'm asking about your 100 days.
I'll let the Prime Minister respond. -We're doing great.
Until we have problems, we won't complain.
I'll ask another way. Mr. Mesec, you opposed politically driven
managerial appointments. How many such appointments took place
in the past 100 days? -I'm not the right person to answer that.
Last week, I clicked on Nova24, and I think there's a counter on top.
Janez Janša should be sitting here.
But we don't need him. We have a computer and you can check
the number on Nova24.
He should be the one to tell us the number.
Ms. Fajon, does the Prime Minister need to replace a minister?
That would be too soon.
Mr. Mesec? -Does he need to replace someone? No.
Will you replace anyone? -No.
If Prime Minister Golob replaces Minister Han, for instance...
Where did you find me?
...who's a part of your quota, how many ministers
from the Freedom Movement quota would need to be replaced as well?
How many Freedom Party ministers would replace a fallen SD minister?
We won't give up Matjaž, so the Prime Minister
won't do that.
And we don't talk about backup scenarios.
They're not an option. -How many fallen?
Why are you looking at me? -How many Freedom Party
ministers must fall for one from the Left?
There are four of us... -My hands aren't bloody.
Prime Minster, could your coalition be strengthened by NSi,
for instance, if one of your coalition parties felt
that you were going it alone too often.
Feelings are one things, but it's the results that count,
as does trust among people.
As for working with the opposition, we're already doing that,
and every legislation has shown that this is working.
We're also discussing constitutional changes with NSi.
This is a foundation on which we can build
trust between the coalition and the opposition.
This is the right approach. -Let's imagine a catastrophe.
If the war in Ukraine continues, then Germany faces a recession.
We know what this means. If Germany experiences a recession,
Slovenia will experience one as well. Are you prepared
for a recession? -Yes. For 100 days, we've been
working on preventing a recession in Germany.
How are we doing that? We need to reform Europe's energy market.
This is the key to preventing the recession. -What if the Germans
stop spending? -That doesn't matter.
Germany is in a crisis because of its economic model, which was based
on cheap Russian gas. -But we'll be in a crisis
because we're dependent on Germany. -Sure, so we need to address
the crisis at its source. -What will we say to people,
Ms. Fajon, we're sorry but we're in a recession because we're
overdependent on Germany. -The whole world is facing
an unpredictable situation. A difficult winter is ahead of us,
and the war probably won't be over soon.
We'll may get a long-term frozen conflict, but in any case,
we have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
And we are prepared, at least for this winter.
Mr. Mesec, people will say, why aren't we dependent
on China, which doesn't have recessions? -I have a hard
time imagining China and Germany switching geographical positions.
So yes, when Germany sneezes, Slovenia coughs.
But we all know that Slovenia can put bandages on its wounds,
but we'll need to do two things to actually resolve the crisis:
We'll have to address the crisis in Europe, as the Prime Minister
mentioned, and ask ourselves how to end this senseless war
as soon as possible. -How high will our energy bill be?
It depends on the supplier... -Han talked about you
as the biggest expert far and wide.
If you live in an apartment building, it will cost you
some €50 or €60 a month.
This won't be substantially higher than what you've been used to
over the past ten years. Our first task is to ensure
that people don't suffer. This part is now done.
Will we conserve energy? -It's right for us to conserve it.
Will we have blackouts like in socialism?
It's right that we conserve and that this is voluntary
because we're import-dependent in gas, oil, and electricity.
Isn't it weird, Ms. Fajon, that capitalism is now forcing us
toward socialism: blackouts and conservation....
It's right that we are conserving, but we should also be thinking
about how to adopt renewable energy sources.
If this can be a development opportunity for the economy,
why can't it be an opportunity for renewables, solar power plants...
The situation can help us focus more on this.
But Mr. Mesec, it's a strange that electricity prices are going up
even though we have the Šoštanj Coal Power Plant (TEŠ). Why is that?
I'd switch your formula. Capitalism is forcing us into eco-socialism.
The Green New Deal, which began as a promise,
has now become a necessity, and I welcome this.
It's high time for Europe to end its dependence on oil and gas
and to use renewable infrastructure to become self-sufficient.
But Mr. Prime Minister, we built TEŠ... Ms. Fajon...
to make us secure in terms of energy. We also built
the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.
A long time ago, but we paved over the Sava
in the name of energy security, so why is electricity
getting more expensive when we have so much of our own?
It's a myth that we are self-sufficient.
We're not, because our consumption is increasing.
We fall short by 15% to 20% each year,
and this needs to be imported. According to current EU rules,
the price of imports sets the price of resale.
This doesn't make any sense, and it needs to be reformed.
Since you see that we don't have enough energy,
would you shut down TEŠ?
Based on the new context?
We're preparing an exit from coal mining and TEŠ.
Our coalition agreement calls for that, but we need to consider,
as Germany is doing... -The coalition agreement also
calls for the elimination of supplemental insurance.
As we close coal mines, we have to ensure
a normal transition for people in the Šalek Valley
and that we have enough energy of our own.
Mr. Mesec, would you shut down TEŠ?
The coalition agreement is clear. We'll shut down TEŠ by 2030.
This government is planning at least two terms, so it will
shut down TEŠ.
Because the energy market is no longer functioning,
and the prices are going through the roof,
the government will get involved in the energy sector.
Not just your government, but also the EU government above.
Just recently, neo-liberals called this socialism.
The market needs to be left alone to self-regulate.
The market is so democratic that we don't even need democracy.
No interventions in the market are allowed.
During the financial crisis, we were not allowed to intervene
in the market, or the world would collapse. But now, we'll intervene.
Does this mean that socialism is allowed now?
I have to correct you. This is not about abolishing the market,
but about reforming it.
This means that we alter the regulatory framework
to limit the effects of the war and financial speculators.
Speculators have destroyed the energy market in Europe.
It wasn't Putin in regard to electricity, but financial
institutions. By setting up an appropriate regulatory framework,
we can prevent such abuses. The market will still function,
but within limits. -Ms. Fajon, to keep people from
energy poverty, from freezing to death, and so on,
we'll call socialism to the rescue. We'll intervene in the market.
Where else do we need socialism? In which markets should
the government intervene?
It will apparently intervene in energy... -We've accomplished
a lot in the energy sector. Food is the next step.
We're seeing a hike in food prices. We're facing global challenges.
There are many areas where we'll need...
We won't be able to intervene on the global markets. -No,
but we need to understand what's happening globally, how the world
order is collapsing, and how a small country like Slovenia
is vulnerable and dependent on others.
That's why it's crucial for us to understand what's happening
around us, so we know how to respond.
Mr. Mesec, same question. In which markets should the state intervene?
As you know, housing is one of my priorities.
The market isn't working here either,
but I'd like to return to what the Prime Minister has said.
When will you start to build apartments?
The shovels are ready.
That shovel metaphor was used for TEŠ.
No, I was thinking of the shock worker campaigns.
But to return to what the Prime Minister said,
the European energy market needs to be reconstituted.
This means that the free market rhetoric was only rhetoric.
We never had an unregulated market.
We will merely regulate it differently and yes,
and era that lasted 40 years is over, and the '20s will be
a time of transition. -Let's look at global challenges.
We see the consequences of climate change.
They're getting worse every year.
We should be glad that we won't have oil and gas.
It's better for the planet.
No one is afraid of running out of oil and gas.
The problem is that we're too slow in transitioning
to renewables. Slovenia in particular holds the record...
You have Article 3 of the new law, which states that companies
can immediately switch from gas... -To oil. -To whatever.
To dirtier fuels, without needing environmental permits.
On the other hand... -That's a temporary measure.
It doesn't matter. Tell that to the climate.
To the planet. -I'll respond. On the other hand,
households are waiting months for permission
to connect to solar panels.
They may not get permission, and the subsidies are gone.
The subsidies are back. -Just now?
But even my mom has to wait for permission because
of the weak power grid.
We could strengthen the power grid if we choose to do so.
But I'll return to climate change. True, during the winter season
we will use all the available resources to protect the people
and the healthy parts of the economy. This winter.
At the same time, we'll substantially increase funds
for the green transition. Businesses want the same thing,
a parallel approach, with measures for this winter
and plans for three years from now.
These two things must be carried out at the same time.
Ms. Fajon, Swedish ecologist Andreas Malm says that if we
honestly believe that greenhouse gasses are destroying the planet
and endangering out lives, and that the choice is really
between the planet and greenhouse gasses,
we should blow up all pipelines ourselves.
If things were that easy, we would have solved many things by now.
Pipelines or the end of the world.
I don't agree... -So capitalism will outlive the world.
No, no. This is...
As the Prime Minister said, we were extremely unambitious
in terms of alternative energy sources.
Will we be strategically, financially, and scientifically
capable of preparing for this new era as a country?
This will be a big challenge.
We can all begin by taking small steps,
but we're moving forward with solar panels, subsidies,
plans for self-sufficiency, and this has been ongoing.
What did you wish to say? -The pipelines have been blown up.
Putin did that.
Not really. Some is still passing through.
I have to sow some discord between you.
Does Slovenia have a problem with the privatization
of healthcare?
We're monitoring that closely.
Does the emergency health law strengthen public healthcare
or lead to privatization, as your member Miha Kordiš says?
I see this law as something that will establish monitoring
in healthcare, so we know by whom, where, and at what price
health services are being carried out.
I see it as a starting point for debates about healthcare reform.
Ms. Fajon. -I see it as a step toward quality public
healthcare services. -Do we have problems with privatization?
With privatization? We have serious problems with that, and we've
discussed how to separate the public from the private,
so this is a step in the right direction.
It's perfectly simple to separate the two.
It's not that easy, but that's what we're doing.
Mr. Prime Minister, if healthcare is the pillar of the welfare state,
how do suppliers and insurers still have such huge profits?
They won't have much time left, but I'd like to return
to the first part.
If we want to discuss the effects of any law,
we need up to set up a system of monitoring and measuring
what is happening, and this law introduces transparency
to cases of double-dippers, because we'll now know
where and by whom health services are being carried out.
The myth of numerous private- public double-dippers
will vanish because we'll see that there aren't quite as many,
so we'll be able to tackle this issue.
Until things are measured, no effort is worth it.
Ms. Fajon, there's a shortage of teachers. Why do people
no longer want to teach?
There isn't a single answer, but they lack good
working conditions and stimulation...
Many people are moving to countries with better conditions.
I'd like to take this in a different direction.
I don't know which direction...
Maybe you sense it. In this country, teachers tend to be humiliated.
Not just over the past 100 days or two years... It's not
Janša's fault, but other people's too. Teachers remind
me of women. The same is being done to them.
We now have the Fotopub Affair, a brutal attack on a woman
in a Maribor park, an attacker on the Karst Plateau, and so on.
Is a war on women underway in Slovenia?
We've moved from teachers to women...
Are women safe in Slovenia?
I'd say what's happening on social networks is a bigger challenge.
We're seeing a war of words that's poisoning people.
Because of this, various things are happening in society.
The situation has become very dangerous for politicians,
ordinary people, and the media, because we're all falling for this
hateful and intolerant rhetorical approach.
What do you intend to do? Should only the police get involved
or should politicians create a less toxic environment?
We are doing just that. It's one of our priorities.
We are entering into respectful dialog with all groups,
especially the public but also between us.
I'll talk more about this later, but there's no alternative to respect.
Mr. Mesec? -During the first 100 days of this government,
I haven't noticed anyone raise their voice,
threaten anyone, or swear. We are sitting here in a relaxed
atmosphere and laughing. If there's anything we can do
to improve the atmosphere, it's this.
We have to lead by example.
You would enact mandatory Christmas bonuses, Mr. Mesec?
Would you also enact a mandatory 13th pension payment?
I'll start with the Christmas bonus.
I proposed that at a meeting with employers and craftspeople.
I hear that half of the audience then left Slovenia.
But I'm surprised that Boscarol didn't purchase a multiplex
in Italy, but in Ljubljana.
It's interesting that I said that in my introduction.
We then spent an hour chatting amicably.
But in the media, it seems that I started a war there.
We have to ask ourselves
how to paint a calm, accurate picture of what's going on.
We often find ourselves in a hysteria,
and such rhetoric has very real consequences.
We don't have much time, so give me a quick answer:
mandatory Christmas bonuses, yes or no?
Luka didn't reply. -He didn't want to. He had two minutes.
I can answer that. -The Prime Minister will reply.
I think Christmas bonuses are a very good idea,
even mandatory ones, but it's true that companies
must afford that. And when we restructure the economy,
this will become possible. -what about the 13th pension?
We need to have the Christmas bonus first because then we'll have
a working economy that creates... -Do you know how many voters
this covers? There are 600,000 retirees. -We'll take care of them
in other ways, but we have to create value first, and when we do that,
we can reward workers and have enough money for the welfare state.
Inflation is high; the fiscal place is contracting.
Will you introduce property taxes?
Not for some time. We announced the debate for next year,
so this may be on the table for 2024.
Ms. Fajon, why did Serbian President Vučić embarrass
President Pahor during a friendly meeting?
I thought Vučić was Janša's friend and that Janša was Pahor's friend,
so Vučić wouldn't do that, especially not in public.
I think it was uncalled for.
I don't think this was the first time. We're used
to such statements from Serbia. Sometimes out of contexts,
sometimes on purpose. But it's right that the President
and the Foreign Ministry both responded.
We have to stress that when Slovenian interests are concerned,
they need to be protected. It was an absurd statement,
but our relations are good. The Serbian President is coming
to Slovenia Monday and will say more. -He'll repeat that we
violated Serbia's integrity. -Undoubtedly.
But President Pahor will soon be unemployed.
Will he become an envoy for the Western Balkans?
You have to ask him. -He's also yours a little bit.
Mr. Mesec, will the government purchase armored vehicles?
Will it buy armored vehicles? -The right addressee is there.
You know my opinion. -Armored vehicles or territorial...
We're conducting an audit of the purchase carried out
by the previous government, and I'm confident
that we'll decide not to go ahead with the purchase.
I have an unpleasant question for the very end.
What if Giorgia Meloni and the Brothers of Italy Party
win in Italy? It's swarming with neo-Fascists.
This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Fascist
March on Rome, and we Slovenians became the first victims
of Fascism, bot just in Europe, but globally.
This isn't impossible. We've all seen what has happened,
and this is a consequence of all the turbulence.
It probably won't be the first government in Europe
to change. Others will also fall or face challenges.
It won't be good. This is a neighboring country
and no one wants Fascism or nationalism.
Mr. Golob, you're from the border. -I won't joke
because this is serious. We're monitoring it closely,
and we're concerned. But what we were able to do
was to sweep in front of our own front door first.
When will the wire on the border with Croatia be removed?
It's already being removed.
I was quite a task, but we are keeping our promise.
Much of the wire fence is gone, as are the panels...
We're working on a humane country, and that includes our borders.
Will you solve the issue of arbitration with Croatia?
There's nothing new there. The arbitration decision is valid,
as are its implementation and the Schengen Agreement.
Mr. Prime Minister, do we still have relations with Hungary
or is everything done though lawyers now?
I haven't met with any lawyers yet. We need to have relations
with all our neighbors, but they should stop at the border.
We shouldn't have to deal with our neighbors in the domestic arena.
You didn't turn on the countdown clock.
I don't even know what it says here.
This is my last question.
In the building on Linhartova owned by the state's DUTB,
a new autonomous zone is being set up
in the spirit of the one in Rog.
Will the state let it live?
At the moment, the state is letting it live.
I haven't noticed any conflicts.
I've responded to their statement.
But it's true, and I'll say it directly, that until
there is a socially justified purpose defined for this building,
it's right that a community is living there.
Will you... -But if and when this building is set aside
for something in the public interest, such as apartments,
I will expect the understanding of the community
and that it finds its home in some other abandoned building
because no one is above the law. I'm not either. Janez Janša
repeatedly put himself above the law, but we won't do that.
If this is true for us, it must be true for everyone in Slovenia.
Just to see if I understand you correctly.
Your government will let this autonomous zone live,
but it won't allow DUTB to live.
It's not quite true. DUTB is being merged with SDH
and will continue its existence... -You prefer the zone to DUTB.
Actually, yes. Here we go.
Thank you very much.
It was worth waiting for the final question.
I now invite Prime Minister Robert Golob to take the stage
and share his concluding remarks on the first 100 days
of the government and what's in store for the future.
Dear colleagues, MPs, the press.
My voice is weak today. I screamed too loudly yesterday,
but it was worth it, and I hope to repeat it.
Marcel scattered my thoughts, so I have to get them together.
Nine months ago,
I was asked why I wanted to go into politics.
Are you looking for revenge or something else?
I said that I would enter politics because I wanted
Slovenia's political culture to be different.
I determined that it was too toxic to benefit people.
I wished, even back then, for politicians to talk
to each other in a respectful manner and joke
at their own expense. Even when discussing serious subjects.
No one believed that, least of all the press.
They asked me how I could change the political culture.
I kept repeating one thing: by being respectful in dialog.
Respect, respect, respect.
And wouldn't you know, after 100 days of the government,
we enjoy record trust by the people.
Yes, we're competent and hard-working,
but we're trusted because we changed the political culture.
We showed to people that things can be done differently.
Not just better, but differently. We don't need to sow discord
or to create crises where none exist.
And we certainly shouldn't put politics above the people.
For me, this respect is the foundation
and the primary achievement of these 100 days.
It's non-material, so it's hard to ascertain...
except in polls, where it can be seen. Because of respect.
If we realize this, we also realize that we will continue on this path.
This isn't just a matter of one person,
so I'm grateful that all of you here today
have embraced this respect. OK, some of you are getting used to it.
But you embraced it as a modus operandi, even if
we have differing views. It's logical that we have them.
Diversity enriches us.
Respect is the antithesis of what we saw before.
And I think that's the right response to what is happening
in our neighborhood and what the various crises
are bringing our way.
As you heard, we had a lot of work over the past 100 days,
but we were essentially getting ready.
We didn't hide that. We were preparing for the autumn.
Our main goal was to be prepared and we are.
I can't resist the comparison since I was at the game last night,
but we're prepared just like our basketball and volleyball
players, who are winning.
I wish we could learn something from them.
In addition to respect. Namely that you win when you work together.
In team sports, and politics is a team sport,
it's not the individual who wins. It helps to have Luka Dončić,
but he also needs to have a break.
It's always teams that win.
And this team can keep winning,
as long as its united and motivated.
One of the telling things from yesterday
is when our guys came together. Not at the start of the first set,
when they didn't know that their opponent was strong,
but when they were defeated in that set, they showed their passion
and their team spirit.
When you face a tough opponent,
you're the most motivated as a team. I believe this also motivates
our team. Tough adversaries.
And if someone thought of Janez Janša and SDS, nope.
The opposition isn't our adversary, much less an enemy.
Climate change is our adversary. As are fires.
That's why we will change the aerial firefighting system
and reward the selfless work of firefighters.
Drought is also our adversary.
That's why we will connect our water supply system
to make it resilient to drought.
We will install irrigation systems to make our farms
more resilient to drought.
Inflation is our adversary and our enemy.
That's why we will provide assistance to the most vulnerable
and limit the prices of food and energy
to wage war on inflation.
The hike in energy prices is our enemy.
It creates inflation and represents the biggest danger
for Europe's economy at the moment.
If Europe enters a recession, it'll be because of the energy crisis,
which began before Ukraine, continued with Ukraine,
and has reached an unprecedented scope. We're declaring war against
it together with the opposition. Heathcare corruption is our enemy.
A system that will monitor who is doing what, where, how much,
and in what way will help us wage a war against corruption.
Professional oversight of healthcare services is the key.
Covid is our enemy.
But we'll fight it as an open society.
We're not afraid of it.
We're stronger than it is.
We'll protect the most vulnerable, while facing the disease head-on.
Hate speech is our enemy.
We'll declare war on hate speech as well, and we'll drive it out.
We want to live in a country where we all
brothers and sisters because we respect each other.
We want to live in a country where we all respect each other,
even if we have our differences.
And so, thank you again for all the work you've done.
I call on you to join forces for the next 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10...
It doesn't matter. Or forever, so that we fight for a single goal,
for prosperity of all citizens.
For Slovenia!
Thank you, Prime Minister.
Now it's time for questions from journalists
for all three presidents of coalition parties,
who can tell us what they did during these 100 days
and what they're planning in the future.
Other ministers will be available for statements after the event.
I ask all journalists to introduce themselves,
state their affiliations, and stand up.
Anže Božič and Metka Majer from POP TV have already
signed up, so I ask Anže to stand up.
A short comment for the Prime Minister to start off:
You say that the government has the highest support according
to polls. This is true, but that's during the summer break.
We weren't on vacation and you know that full well.
I'm more interested in something else.
You began your 100 days as a team of 17 ministers,
but you had announced a team of 20.
You experienced a political block. Will you now proceed
as a 17-minister team and has the initial plan of a 20-minister
team been dropped? Secondly, you mentioned you were working
with NSi on constitutional changes. Can you be more specific
and are you talking about changes to the electoral system?
As for the team, all 20 ministers are in effect members
of our team today.
Even though their formal positions may be lower, all ministers
are working in the government, and this tells you everything
about this team. We don’t care about political prestige.
The number of ministers is irrelevant from the perspective
of this government. We will, of course, insist on the law
because we will it will enable us to focus on the important things,
development issues. The new ministries are intended for those
challenges, not for the management of current conditions.
As for constitutional changes, that dialog is barely underway.
All parties are invited to join the debate, but each one will have
its own agenda. As far as the coalition is concerned,
electoral changes are something we want to tackle,
and if we find enough understanding with the opposition,
we'll gladly move in that direction.
I won't comment on behalf of the other parties,
but I will comment on behalf of the coalition.
I'm optimistic that we will resolve at least two or three areas
this autumn or winter.
Thank you. Metka Majer.
As you said, Mr. Golob, the government wasn't on vacation,
but the parliament was. The extraordinary sessions
did take place for a day or two. Parliament has also been active
for more than 100 days. That's where your power of 21 MPs comes from.
Today, you're presenting the achievements of your cabinet
team, but what about the work of Parliament?
We haven't had a regular session yet, so we haven't
had MP questions for the ministers or the Prime Minister. It seems
that you're functioning as a well-oiled voting machine,
with the occasional exception of the Left.
Do these 41 MPs meet your expectations?
And will Parliament get more involved in policies
addressing price hikes and other issues?
I'll answer directly. 53 MPs meet my expectations completely.
Just to be clear. And not just mine but, I believe, all of ours.
As for integration, yes, the situation tended to be hectic
at first because we had to prepare for what's coming.
On the other hand, Parliament also had plenty of work
with the trash scattered around by others who had not yet realized
that cooperation is the key toward a better future.
I believe this has now changed and that the work in Parliament
will now take place with fewer obstacles
and more constructively. That makes us happy.
The laws introduced earlier by Minister Kumer
are proof that we have all matured somewhat during these 100 days
and that we'll serve the people better.
I'm more optimistic than the media but you've seen many bad things,
while we are new ad have the right to optimism.
Thank you. Next question, ma'am.
Lea Kalc Furlanič, Demokracija. We're both new here.
I'm in a better location. -that's fine.
Mr. Prime Minister, you set aside more than €40 million
for business to weather the energy crisis.
At the same time, the managers at Gen-I
gave yourself €20 million in bonuses for 2021.
Are you sure about that?
In light of this,
don't you feel that the assistance to business
is somewhat... low?
I have another question, if I may.
You said you would donate your entire bonus,
in the amount of €1.9 million,
to charity.
Have you done that and to whom will you donate it?
I'll start at the end.
When I decided to enter politics in January, I signed
a notarized statement and not not a single euro is at my disposal.
If and when the bonus will be paid out,
and that's not my decision to make,
it will be handed out to nine charities.
I said back in January why I wouldn't reveal them; maybe
the bonus won't be paid. And in that case,
I don't want to create expectations about money they may not see.
The bonus you mentioned
is a part of the same story for which you claim
it was paid out. You're wrong. No bonuses have been paid out.
I'm almost sure they'll never be paid, and that's unfortunate
for the charities, not for me.
But that's a minor detail. The economy is more important.
Businesses received €40 million in direct assistance
as part of the first law. Why €40 million?
That's how much was available and we considered it sufficient
when the law was prepared.
In the meantime, the electricity market collapsed completely.
The needs grew, which we discussed at the Chamber of Commerce.
You could have heard me mention that the amount we're talking about,
€1.1 billion for households, €1.5 billion for the liquidity
of energy companies, and likely €1.5 for business.
You can compare that with neighboring countries,
and you'll see we conceived it well, not just in comparison with Gen-I.
There are things that can always be portrayed in a weird light,
but things are clear here. We're not hiding in the shadows.
Anyone else? Gregor Dernovšek, TV Slovenia.
A factual question for all three.
What are the biggest pluses and the biggest minuses
of the government's first 100 days?
And I'm confused, Ms. Fajon, on Saturday you said
you were thinking of a presidential candidate, then the party said
you won't have one, but you seemed a bit undecided.
Can you finally reveal your party's decision and give a quick comment
on the situation at RTV Slovenia?
I won't say anything conclusive about the presidential election,
because there's no need for that today, but the party presidency
has made it clear that we don't have a candidate of our own
and are currently not supporting any candidate.
But the processes are ongoing, talks are in progress,
and there are different dynamics in play, so time will tell.
But the choice is already good, so many of our members
are already supporting some candidate.
Regarding the situation at RTV Slovenia,
I can state as a former reporter that there has
been such a horrific political pogrom at that institution
in the history of our country.
It's entirely unacceptable and tragic for our country
and for our public broadcaster.
I hope we'll be able to get politics out of the broadcaster's management
as soon as possible, but not as quickly as we had wanted.
So I'm grateful to all the journalists
who are defending their profession
and trying to provide the public with credible information
that the people deserve.
The first question was about achievements.
I believe much has been said already.
I'll respond as the head of the party, not as a minister.
Our priority was to address the hike in energy prices,
to tackle the healthcare system,
to encourage quality public services,
to strengthen the welfare state, to return a sense
of normalcy, respect, and dialog to the state and to society,
to start a dialog with the labor unions, with various agents,
and, most significantly, with civil society.
Luka Mesec.
I'll start with the first question.
I'm pleasantly surprised
by how the entire cabinet began to tackle
their ministerial responsibilities. I believe it's obvious everywhere
that we've been able to calm the situation
compared to what we had before April 24.
My acquaintances told me how they felt a constant tension
before then. After the new government took office,
that tension went away in an instant.
We'll do everything we can to continue in that spirit.
The government has shown itself to be unafraid of challenges.
The price hikes didn't surprise us in any way,
nor did it derail us. We're taking proportionate actions
as we go along. We're not wasting public funds,
but rather using targeted measures to help people weather this crisis
as painlessly as possible.
Those are the pluses. As for the biggest challenges,
when our initial work is done, we need to build
not just a coalition between us, but a coalition with society.
The government as a whole and I believe in inclusiveness,
both political inclusiveness and the inclusiveness of institutions.
In the course of a single term, we can build a society
with a completely different atmosphere to what we've seen.
As for the situation at RTV, I see it as a reflection
of current circumstances, as the Indian Summer
of the previous government,
which has made its move to the public broadcaster.
I'm saddened by what's happening there,
and what you journalists must deal with.
I regret that as the government or as political parties,
we have absolutely no means to end that
before the referendum. After the referendum,
I promise we'll do everything to make us breathe easier,
just as the rest of the country is now breathing easier.
And the Prime Minister.
I've listed the positives, and the Deputy Prime Ministers
responded comprehensively. I won't give long answers because this
is a Q&A session. As for the minuses, that's RTV.
It's the only minus I see. And this legal
impotence to fix things that are clear to anyone
and that require action, but are legally outside
our reach, is the only weak point
since the election.
But unlike my colleagues, I'm an eternal optimist,
so maybe we'll find a solution before the referendum.
We're looking at legal options
of how to bypass this blockade every day.
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. I've been told that we lost
our live link for several minutes. I hope that... -RTV turned it off.
That's bad karma but I think it's because of all the views.
Gašper Lubej, Al Jazeera. And if you can please stand up.
From Mr. Golob. The opposition is very critical
of your government's work. They say that you're taking
too late, when people are already suffering,
that the cabinet is inexperienced and uncoordinated.
I'd like you to comment on that and ask Ms. Fajon
about the Western Balkans. It seems that Slovenia
is a side player now that things are getting more active
on the Belgrade-Prishtina axis. Can you give us an example
of where Slovenia made a breakthrough,
rather than just provided infrastructure, as at
the Brdo-Brioni talks, but also contributed to the resolution
of the situation by the end of the year? Thank you.
The job of the opposition is to be critical.
Our job is to pay attention to legitimate criticism
and incorporate it into our plans.
Sometimes, they can even manage to provide criticism
that we can consider and we're happy to do that.
I have nothing to add regarding that.
Very quickly regarding the Western Balkans.
Slovenia is very active in the region
and is very well aware of challenges such as instability,
the drain of young people away from the region,
and slow EU integration.
I believe we were very effective when we discussed
the beginning of accession negotiations with North Macedonia
and Albania. Slovenia was very active and contributed
to the beginning of negotiations.
The same is true for Bosnia-Herzegovina.
We started the talks and began to talk about
an expedited process of becoming a candidate.
Unlike you, I see that Slovenia is playing a significant role
and that our friends in the region are listening to us closely.
Many politically sensitive subjects in our neighborhood
are placed on the agenda by Slovenia.
Thank you. Vitomir Petrović, Planet TV.
Mr. Golob, if we stick to unpleasant questions.
You said that the crisis in heavily tied to Germany
and that international cooperation is the key here.
The proposed changes to the Law on Electronic Communications
supposedly include a proposal for the discriminatory exclusion
of some providers, i.e., anti-Chinese rhetoric
signed in the form of a memorandum with the Americans
by SDS's presidential candidate Logar. Does this mean
that in foreign policy, you won't be following Germany's lead,
but instead continue Janša's approach?
Did I correctly sense an implication that there is something wrong
with Janša's policy from Planet TV? No? I was concerned for a moment.
No, we'll follow our own foreign policy,
this government's policy and Slovenia's policy.
We'll pay primary attention to Slovenia's interests,
as is the case in other areas.
Thank you. Anyone else?
Go ahead.
Lara Draškovič, STA.
You're now facing three referendum campaigns.
Can you please stand up...
You're facing three referendum campaigns.
Have you in the coalition agreed on a strategy
for the campaigns?
And a question for all three: When you, Mr. Golob,
you mentioned that you were looking for other approaches,
could you be more specific? -There's no way
I would go into specifics.
As for the referendums, I believe we're united
in that we wish all three take place at the same time
on a "referendum day," so people will be able
to make their voices heard about whether they want
to support this government's initiatives, results,
and atmosphere or if they want more
of that dark period before April 24.
It's clear to me what the people will say,
but we want them to say that not to us, who know this,
but to those still dreaming about a return to the dark past.
But they won't succeed, because we won't allow it.
A question in the middle.
Bojan Kračič, Agence France-Presse.
I'd like to ask the Prime Minister about the measures. A lot of money
has been mentioned, so I'm interesting how this will be
sustainable in the medium term. The Fiscal Council has warned
that you could be more moderate in spending this money.
Do you have any plans to tackle this
next year or 2024?
Thank you for the question. It's important that we
answer it clearly.
Europe has had a winter like the one that's on its way.
The application of rules created for a different time, the austerity era,
in our times, when we are facing something akin
to a state of war,
doesn't make sense and is foolish.
All of Europe has realized this, and I hop that our Fiscal Council
will also realize that fiscal rules cannot be applied
in such situations. It makes even less sense to comment on this.
I won't comment on something that is clear to everyone.
Of course, this winter us unique and we need to plan ahead.
That's why we are traveling on two parallel paths.
One path is about facing the crisis.
And we have to help people and the economy to survive.
And we have the development path. As we are tackling the crisis,
we're also investing in development.
Yesterday, we met with the most
with the most propulsive part of the economy, the auto industry.
We were discussing increased investments
into the green transition for the automotive industry.
We know that we need to invest the most during a crisis
to ensure that the crisis doesn't hurt us,
so we can be fiscally resilient three or four years from now.
And we may be back to the old rules.
I'm not an economist, but to think like this today
seems senseless to me.
Thank you. We have two more questions.
Andreja Lončar, N1.
First, a commentary. You showed a comparison of regulated
fuel prices for various countries. I think you're being a bit unfair
to other countries, since the price isn't everything. Many countries
are providing assistance like Slovenia, and Austria
announced a €4 billion aid package yesterday in the form
of subsidies for households,
but with limited use, which Slovenia hasn't done.
Austria is therefore encouraging the efficient use of energy
and limiting demand.
And a question about Austria.
Austria is an important partner of ours regarding the supply of gas.
I'm curious how far we are from an agreement with Austria
regarding solidarity deliveries in case of interruptions.
Do you know how much gas we have in leased storage
facilities in Austria? A week ago, a source from the Infrastructure
Ministry told us that you were relying on data from resellers,
but lacked specific data.
How is the situation with the security of deliveries?
That's important information that we don't have, as one of only
a few European countries, since we have no storage facilities.
It's a security risk both for our industry and the country.
And Ms. Fajon, I asked you two weeks ago at an energy event
about the role of diplomacy in case of an embargo
on wood fuel exports from Bosnia and Serbia.
You said you would talk to other ministries. I'm curious
if there have been any developments or if you found a way to help.
We get most of our wood pellets from Bosnia, which
has halted exports, and that's a problem
for many Slovenian households.
Matjaž Han has offered to answer this question.
I would just like to confirm the information...
I checked the information regarding the last question.
The State Secretary of the Economy Ministry is traveling to Bosnia
on Monday and talks will take place there.
These measures are not about competition.
So you can't be unfair to anyone.
The measures are used to help your people.
Each country does it their own way because the systems are different,
so it's right that our prices for everyone are lower than in Austria
because our wages are also lower. That makes sense.
Some of the subsidies you mentioned
have been presented, while others are in the works.
Every country in Europe, not just Slovenia or Austria,
introduces new measures every week or two.
That's because the situation is getting worse.
Currently, they are getting worse quicker for business
than for households.
Why? Because Slovenia regulated its prices for households,
unlike many other countries.
We did that first because we wanted to limit the problem
we will face this autumn.
We can therefore focus on the economy.
The measures we're preparing for businesses
are just as important,
but they're broader in terms of finances.
As has been stated several times,
we finally defined energy poverty after 12 years.
We will now invite people to get registered,
and only then will we have bonuses for them.
We're thinking about an entire range of measures,
which we'll carry out based on the circumstances.
Unfairness isn't an issue. This isn't a beauty contest.
It's about adapting the measures to the actual situation.
I don't want to argue with you. I just want to explain
why comparisons don't make any sense.
Pardon me?
I just want to say that you made the comparison.
But it's not a question of injustice. We wanted
to show prices in Slovenia in comparison with Europe.
That way, people can be assured that even though there's so much
talk about the crisis, that crisis hasn't spilled into prices
because of government regulation.
That's our key message.
But you and Prime Minister Janša before you
used regulation to lower fuel prices to levels lower
than those in neighboring countries, which caused
a spike in demand and caused problems with suppliers
who had a tough time keeping up with oil deliveries.
I'm an economist so I understand that you my see this differently,
but prices also motivate people to limit their use of energy.
Do you really think we have supply issues because of low prices?
That's what the suppliers are telling us.
Statistical data says otherwise.
...responding to the comparison. -Thank you.
Gašper Petovar, TV Slovenia.
I have a question for Mr. Golob, Ms. Fajon, and Mr. Mesec.
What are your three key goals, for each of you,
during the next 100 days of the government?
I think that's been said. We can repeat it.
The priorities of the government are clear:
price hikes, inflation, energy and related changes
to sustain the economy and stimulate development, and healthcare.
In the meantime, we will make it through this winter
as a compassionate society.
This is not just the plan for the next 100 but for the winter,
so for some 180 days.
Those are the entire government's priorities.
Of course, each minister is responsible for their own area,
but that doesn't mean that they are in conflict
with the basic tasks. They're parts of the same puzzle.
I'll repeat the Social Democrats' priorities.
To a certain extent, they're already being carried out.
They're quality public healthcare, reduced wait times in health,
easier access to family doctors,
free school meals and supplies,
non-profit rental homes affordable to young people,
the availability long-term care, and Slovenia's position
in the healthy core of Europe, which refers to the respect
of democratic values, the rule of law, and media freedom.
I'll speak on behalf of my ministry.
The price hikes are our priority.
I'll list three other priorities.
They're long.-term care, which we are reforming along
with Minister Loredan and the Association of Social Institutions.
It will be completed by January 1.
Housing is also our priority.
We'll start defining our housing policy despite the referendum
called by the opposition, and get our shovels ready
for the year ahead.
Economic democracy is our third priority.
Despite the referendum, you can expect the first initiative
from this area in autumn.
Thank you to the heads of the coalition parties.
Prime Minster, Ministers, MPs, journalists,
and others gathered here today and joining us online,
thank you for joining us. We wrapped up nicely,
with a view toward the future.
We hear something; it's not fireworks
of the future, but this ends our event.
Marcel didn't turn on his countdown clock,
so we were a bit long. Thank you and have a great day!