WEBVTT 00:00:02.893 --> 00:00:05.184 Welcome. Apologies for the delay, 00:00:05.305 --> 00:00:08.092 the government session lasted until now. 00:00:08.213 --> 00:00:10.311 We are joined by Prime Minister 00:00:10.432 --> 00:00:13.698 and chairman of the Freedom Movement, Dr. Robert Golob, 00:00:13.819 --> 00:00:17.933 Minister of Culture and coordinator of The Left, Dr. Asta Vrečko, 00:00:18.054 --> 00:00:22.744 and Minister of the Economy and chairman of SD, Matjaž Han. 00:00:22.865 --> 00:00:26.867 Go ahead. Later, we will be joined by two more ministers. 00:00:28.724 --> 00:00:33.127 Today the government discussed and approved the starting points 00:00:33.247 --> 00:00:35.497 for the second tax package. 00:00:36.082 --> 00:00:40.486 The proposals are mostly about a property tax, 00:00:41.243 --> 00:00:45.581 which will be carried out by taxing 00:00:45.702 --> 00:00:49.535 second, third, fourth and all other properties. 00:00:50.622 --> 00:00:54.539 Naturally, the first property will not be taxed, 00:00:55.681 --> 00:00:59.721 while all others will be taxed with a single purpose, 00:01:00.155 --> 00:01:05.919 to stimulate the usage of properties 00:01:06.040 --> 00:01:10.355 not as investments, but as residential properties. 00:01:11.014 --> 00:01:13.513 The purpose of the tax 00:01:13.993 --> 00:01:18.560 is to increase the accessibility of rental housing, 00:01:18.681 --> 00:01:23.764 which is why the rental tax reliefs will be taken into account 00:01:23.885 --> 00:01:26.718 and deducted from the property tax. 00:01:27.341 --> 00:01:33.386 The purpose of this is also to redirect all funds acquired this way 00:01:33.571 --> 00:01:37.425 solely into reducing the labour taxes. 00:01:37.546 --> 00:01:41.024 Simply put, increasing net salaries. 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:45.593 This way, we aim to increase the number of properties 00:01:45.714 --> 00:01:49.047 on the market, both for renting and sale, 00:01:49.168 --> 00:01:52.992 and to increase people's purchasing power, 00:01:53.113 --> 00:01:55.992 especially young employed people, 00:01:56.113 --> 00:01:59.280 who will thus be able to create a home. 00:02:00.243 --> 00:02:03.673 The Minister of Finance will provide more detail, 00:02:03.794 --> 00:02:07.011 so I suggest you direct your questions at him. 00:02:07.132 --> 00:02:10.919 The coalition is united in this decision, 00:02:11.040 --> 00:02:16.253 as it fulfills both pre-election and coalition promises, 00:02:16.689 --> 00:02:23.339 and it is a giant step forward in creating a fairer taxation system. 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:25.710 This brings Slovenia closer 00:02:25.831 --> 00:02:30.081 to trends already established in European countries, 00:02:30.852 --> 00:02:34.352 shifting more of the tax burden to property 00:02:34.473 --> 00:02:37.100 and reducing it on salaries. 00:02:38.001 --> 00:02:39.681 Go ahead, Minister. 00:02:40.980 --> 00:02:47.319 The Left supports the proposals on property taxation. 00:02:47.509 --> 00:02:52.175 We are also the ministry responsible for housing, 00:02:52.296 --> 00:02:54.814 and housing issues are among 00:02:54.935 --> 00:02:57.798 the most pressing challenges of our time. 00:02:57.919 --> 00:03:02.136 We are primarily addressing young people and young families, 00:03:02.257 --> 00:03:06.621 but we mustn't forget that older people also live in hardship, 00:03:06.742 --> 00:03:08.995 especially those who are single, 00:03:09.116 --> 00:03:14.636 and those whose housing issues have not been properly resolved 00:03:14.757 --> 00:03:16.863 well into their old age. 00:03:17.023 --> 00:03:20.523 That is why we approached the housing issue 00:03:20.644 --> 00:03:23.498 very proactively from the start. 00:03:23.694 --> 00:03:28.920 We are boosting the construction of public housing, 00:03:29.117 --> 00:03:32.061 and we have a new housing act ahead of us. 00:03:32.182 --> 00:03:37.328 We must not forget that we have also committed the government to allocate 00:03:37.449 --> 00:03:40.881 100 million euros annually over the next 10 years 00:03:41.002 --> 00:03:44.380 for the construction of public rental housing. 00:03:44.501 --> 00:03:50.413 We are also regulating and taxing Airbnb, 00:03:50.534 --> 00:03:55.015 so housing leased for the short-term, 00:03:55.136 --> 00:03:58.651 and thirdly, we are taxing property. 00:03:59.088 --> 00:04:02.227 We support this proactivity. 00:04:02.348 --> 00:04:09.087 We believe that any tax reform needs to be fair, 00:04:09.456 --> 00:04:13.920 needs to target property that is not taxed, 00:04:14.086 --> 00:04:19.794 and, of course, unburden the weakest members of society. 00:04:19.915 --> 00:04:24.498 We believe that this will accelerate the flow of housing 00:04:24.619 --> 00:04:29.598 and incentivise the leasing of housing for the long-term. 00:04:29.859 --> 00:04:35.953 And if this reform does unburden salaries, 00:04:36.074 --> 00:04:39.610 it will provide more disposable income 00:04:39.731 --> 00:04:43.063 for those who live in the most hardship, 00:04:43.184 --> 00:04:48.806 which is also very important for the quality of life, wellbeing, 00:04:48.927 --> 00:04:52.177 and last but not least, economic growth. 00:04:52.435 --> 00:04:56.841 I believe that these proposals, which will enter public discussion, 00:04:56.962 --> 00:04:58.635 will be heavily debated 00:04:58.755 --> 00:05:03.111 and that the government will find a compromise like always 00:05:03.232 --> 00:05:06.688 and adopt a solution that is best for everyone. 00:05:07.109 --> 00:05:08.789 Thank you. Minister? 00:05:09.450 --> 00:05:11.050 Thank you. 00:05:12.807 --> 00:05:18.427 In Slovenia, we have been discussing tax issues for a number of years. 00:05:18.965 --> 00:05:21.531 We all agree on one thing, 00:05:21.652 --> 00:05:27.866 that salaries are overburdened with contributions and various taxes. 00:05:28.402 --> 00:05:32.402 This coalition signed an agreement two years ago, 00:05:32.523 --> 00:05:35.790 when we set out on this path together, 00:05:35.911 --> 00:05:39.364 that we will form a tax on real estate, 00:05:39.485 --> 00:05:42.735 which we are now calling a property tax. 00:05:43.276 --> 00:05:47.359 There are approximately 690,000 people in Slovenia 00:05:47.768 --> 00:05:50.351 who have one apartment or house. 00:05:50.472 --> 00:05:54.425 Let me be clear, nothing will change for those people. 00:05:55.780 --> 00:06:01.539 Today we set a direction, starting points, if you will, 00:06:01.660 --> 00:06:09.525 to try to tax second, third, fourth, fifth properties with a set tax, 00:06:09.751 --> 00:06:16.492 which would enable us to unburden salaries. 00:06:17.446 --> 00:06:22.587 I was in Parliament in 2014 when we were adopting a property tax. 00:06:22.708 --> 00:06:24.998 I know this will be a rocky road, 00:06:25.119 --> 00:06:28.832 but the coalition is committed to keep walking it 00:06:28.953 --> 00:06:36.653 and to fairly distribute the funds gained from property, 00:06:37.082 --> 00:06:42.121 which some have more of than they pay taxes for. 00:06:42.242 --> 00:06:47.536 So, the Social Democrats absolutely support this. 00:06:47.910 --> 00:06:53.486 There will be a public debate in January, maybe February as well, 00:06:53.607 --> 00:06:56.251 where all stakeholders will be able to 00:06:56.372 --> 00:06:59.444 acquaint themselves with the legislation. 00:06:59.565 --> 00:07:01.858 The Minister of Finance will then 00:07:01.979 --> 00:07:05.268 prepare legislation based on the public debate, 00:07:05.389 --> 00:07:07.609 and the government will pass it. 00:07:07.730 --> 00:07:10.736 Our goal is to adopt the act by end of year 00:07:10.857 --> 00:07:13.219 so it enters into force next year. 00:07:13.553 --> 00:07:16.186 So, we support it and I believe 00:07:16.339 --> 00:07:21.919 that the key goal of this act are fair taxes, 00:07:22.084 --> 00:07:28.519 and mainly a higher net income for employed people in our country. 00:07:28.640 --> 00:07:32.904 We have to take care of the so-called middle class, 00:07:33.443 --> 00:07:37.153 so it can have an easier time developing 00:07:37.286 --> 00:07:41.531 and driving our country forward. 00:07:41.922 --> 00:07:44.120 I know you have many questions, 00:07:44.241 --> 00:07:48.120 but there will be time for answers during the debate, 00:07:48.241 --> 00:07:53.324 which will last quite a while. -Before we move on to questions 00:07:53.445 --> 00:07:58.028 I would ask the PM to present the government's decisions 00:07:58.149 --> 00:08:00.820 regarding the new network charges. 00:08:00.941 --> 00:08:04.221 We can do some questions first. -All right. 00:08:04.342 --> 00:08:08.319 Rok Šuligoj, RTV. Prime Minister, you mentioned 00:08:08.440 --> 00:08:12.523 that nothing changes for the first property. 00:08:12.644 --> 00:08:15.977 This includes a large majority of people. 00:08:16.098 --> 00:08:17.816 However, many in Slovenia 00:08:17.937 --> 00:08:21.594 have weekend homes, vineyard cottages, et cetera. 00:08:21.715 --> 00:08:24.363 There have already been many questions 00:08:24.484 --> 00:08:26.700 about how you will address this. 00:08:26.821 --> 00:08:31.326 I know the Minister of Finance will present this in more detail, 00:08:31.447 --> 00:08:34.795 but can you give us the broad strokes? Thank you. 00:08:35.186 --> 00:08:40.959 The aim is to exempt properties where the owners also reside. 00:08:41.467 --> 00:08:44.110 It is entirely possible that there are 00:08:44.231 --> 00:08:47.379 residential weekend homes in the countryside, 00:08:47.980 --> 00:08:53.221 and if no owners are registered there, they will be taxed. 00:08:53.541 --> 00:08:56.902 Some people may be registered at a weekend home. 00:08:57.096 --> 00:09:01.300 If that is the owner's sole property, it will not be taxed. 00:09:01.451 --> 00:09:09.199 All residential properties require proof of ownership and residence, 00:09:09.320 --> 00:09:10.976 meaning whether someone 00:09:11.097 --> 00:09:14.276 has their permanent residence registered there. 00:09:14.397 --> 00:09:16.647 Those are the two criteria. 00:09:16.854 --> 00:09:18.937 Not all vineyard cottages 00:09:19.157 --> 00:09:23.407 are declared as residential properties, far from it. 00:09:23.801 --> 00:09:28.920 Agricultural buildings will not be included, to put it very simply. 00:09:29.094 --> 00:09:30.429 Cellars, right? 00:09:30.729 --> 00:09:34.284 Lara Draškovič, STA. Regarding taxation, 00:09:34.405 --> 00:09:37.738 does the fee for the use of building land 00:09:37.859 --> 00:09:41.609 remain a municipal revenue for all properties? 00:09:41.730 --> 00:09:44.601 Yes, this property tax does not interfere 00:09:44.722 --> 00:09:48.438 with the system of fees for the use of building land. 00:09:48.820 --> 00:09:51.320 What are the initial estimates 00:09:51.441 --> 00:09:55.769 on the revenue that these taxes will generate? 00:09:56.292 --> 00:10:00.792 The current estimate is over 600 million euros annually 00:10:00.913 --> 00:10:03.986 at a tax rate of 1.45%. 00:10:05.203 --> 00:10:08.867 Thank you. Moving to Zoom, Tadej Grešovnik, POP TV. 00:10:11.686 --> 00:10:14.386 Greetings, Tadej Grešovnik, POP TV. 00:10:14.507 --> 00:10:17.840 This is a question for the Prime Minister 00:10:17.961 --> 00:10:22.961 and the representatives of The Left and the Social Democrats. 00:10:23.495 --> 00:10:30.328 We heard that there will be a 25% relief on annual rent, 00:10:30.449 --> 00:10:35.913 if one were to rent their uninhabited property, of course. 00:10:36.231 --> 00:10:40.653 Even at today's presentation of this proposal, 00:10:40.774 --> 00:10:44.879 very superficial, quick calculations already show 00:10:45.247 --> 00:10:50.038 that lessors could, with slight corrections, 00:10:50.159 --> 00:10:53.672 completely avoid the property tax. 00:10:53.995 --> 00:10:58.745 I am mainly directing this at the coordinator of The Left, 00:10:58.866 --> 00:11:04.837 but it seems that this proposal serves as an invitation to lessors 00:11:05.103 --> 00:11:11.323 to increase rents and thereby completely avoid the property tax. 00:11:11.522 --> 00:11:14.651 On the other hand, it seems that this tax 00:11:14.771 --> 00:11:19.059 will ultimately only be paid by people with vineyard cottages 00:11:19.180 --> 00:11:22.180 and smaller weekend homes. Thank you. 00:11:24.420 --> 00:11:27.480 I will let the Prime Minister go first. 00:11:27.677 --> 00:11:31.749 I already gave an explanation regarding vineyard cottages. 00:11:31.870 --> 00:11:35.257 Let us distinguish between residential buildings 00:11:35.378 --> 00:11:39.461 and agricultural ones, which will not be included. 00:11:40.637 --> 00:11:45.017 Secondly, when a property is leased long-term 00:11:45.138 --> 00:11:47.638 and the rental tax on it is paid, 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:52.426 this tax will be considered a relief on the property tax, 00:11:52.547 --> 00:11:56.414 which is only right, as they would otherwise pay twice, 00:11:56.535 --> 00:12:00.453 and the rise of rental prices would be accelerated. 00:12:00.574 --> 00:12:03.455 We believe many homes are currently empty 00:12:03.782 --> 00:12:09.709 and that many owners will decide to lease them faster now, 00:12:10.018 --> 00:12:14.611 because otherwise they will have to pay the property tax in full. 00:12:15.829 --> 00:12:21.200 The Left was adamant that we adopt the property tax 00:12:21.321 --> 00:12:23.571 in this term, as we agreed, 00:12:23.692 --> 00:12:30.232 and that it is mainly aimed at taxing empty properties 00:12:30.512 --> 00:12:33.345 or properties not leased long-term, 00:12:33.466 --> 00:12:36.173 as this stimulates the rental market. 00:12:36.330 --> 00:12:42.263 Of course, there are always ways to avoid taxes, 00:12:42.384 --> 00:12:46.997 people are mainly focused on how to avoid taxes 00:12:47.118 --> 00:12:51.201 or how to shift their tax burdens to other people. 00:12:51.322 --> 00:12:57.470 The Left, as the ministry responsible for housing, 00:12:57.666 --> 00:13:02.434 will actively cooperate, as we always have, 00:13:02.555 --> 00:13:06.156 to make this tax reform as fair as possible 00:13:06.362 --> 00:13:10.119 and incentivise leasing more properties. 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:13.088 Those who will not want to pay the tax 00:13:13.209 --> 00:13:16.662 will continue renting out properties illegally 00:13:16.783 --> 00:13:19.877 in order to avoid paying the existing tax. 00:13:19.998 --> 00:13:24.331 That needs to be reported and sanctioned, and we have 00:13:24.452 --> 00:13:28.869 authorities and inspection services in place for that. 00:13:29.326 --> 00:13:32.853 It is easiest to look for ways to avoid taxes, 00:13:32.974 --> 00:13:36.974 but, on one hand, as a society we have to realise 00:13:37.095 --> 00:13:40.095 that taxes allow society to function, 00:13:40.216 --> 00:13:46.103 and on the other hand, this only concerns those with enough property. 00:13:46.224 --> 00:13:48.588 These are topics for a public debate 00:13:48.709 --> 00:13:53.069 and I believe all of this will be considered in the final proposal. 00:13:53.752 --> 00:13:57.605 I will reiterate, because it is important. 00:13:58.235 --> 00:13:59.902 The purpose is dual. 00:14:00.023 --> 00:14:04.206 On one hand, to get empty properties on the market faster, 00:14:04.511 --> 00:14:08.726 on the other hand, to commit all of the funds from this tax, 00:14:08.847 --> 00:14:12.370 over 600 million euros, to reducing labour taxes, 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:14.850 Simply put, higher salaries. 00:14:15.335 --> 00:14:17.623 That is the most important thing. 00:14:17.744 --> 00:14:20.105 All of the proceeds will go toward 00:14:20.226 --> 00:14:23.311 improving the competitiveness of the economy 00:14:23.432 --> 00:14:27.224 and we will also enable people to have higher incomes. 00:14:28.089 --> 00:14:30.986 Staying on Zoom, Tanja Smrekar, Finance. 00:14:32.269 --> 00:14:33.920 Tanja Smrekar, Finance. 00:14:34.041 --> 00:14:37.124 Regarding increasing the Housing Fund, 00:14:37.245 --> 00:14:40.578 which is the aim of this new legislation, 00:14:40.699 --> 00:14:45.753 did you also consider changing the spatial legislation, and how? 00:14:45.874 --> 00:14:49.798 For instance, simplifying spatial planning, building permits ... 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:51.785 And based on which analysis 00:14:51.906 --> 00:14:55.294 did you estimate the number of empty properties? 00:14:55.415 --> 00:14:57.779 Prime Minister, you said last time 00:14:57.900 --> 00:15:00.758 that there are entire apartment buildings 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:03.879 empty and available in Slovenia. Thank you. 00:15:04.218 --> 00:15:08.694 The Minister of Finance will answer that accurately, 00:15:08.930 --> 00:15:13.186 since he has all of the information prepared. 00:15:13.373 --> 00:15:18.340 I know some of those buildings and anyone can go see them in Ljubljana 00:15:18.461 --> 00:15:20.967 without being some sort of expert. 00:15:21.282 --> 00:15:23.782 Regarding spatial legislation, 00:15:23.903 --> 00:15:27.021 the government discussed that today as well. 00:15:27.203 --> 00:15:29.502 Some things will go hand in hand, 00:15:29.623 --> 00:15:33.268 but there are no quick fixes in spatial legislation. 00:15:33.389 --> 00:15:37.893 For already built properties that are not serving their purpose, 00:15:38.014 --> 00:15:40.120 we can find solutions faster. 00:15:40.908 --> 00:15:44.014 Thank you. Sarah Neubauer, N1. 00:15:45.517 --> 00:15:47.600 Thank you. You pointed out 00:15:47.721 --> 00:15:51.554 that you want to incentivise long-term leasing. 00:15:51.675 --> 00:15:56.395 I will repeat my colleague's question, as you didn't answer it. 00:15:56.540 --> 00:16:01.837 If the rent tax is deducted from the property tax, 00:16:01.958 --> 00:16:04.537 that means that, the higher the rent, 00:16:04.658 --> 00:16:08.021 the higher the tax and the higher the deduction, 00:16:08.142 --> 00:16:12.229 and the less that the lessor or property owner has to pay. 00:16:12.400 --> 00:16:15.650 We are not talking about avoiding taxes, 00:16:15.771 --> 00:16:19.188 but about the fact that with your formula, 00:16:19.309 --> 00:16:24.101 it will be better for the owner to charge and declare a higher rent 00:16:24.222 --> 00:16:26.099 to get a bigger deduction. 00:16:26.667 --> 00:16:30.596 Are you not worried that you will thus burden lessees, 00:16:30.716 --> 00:16:35.000 who are supposed to be better off with this act, even more? 00:16:37.431 --> 00:16:41.792 There will be significantly more rental housing on the market. 00:16:41.913 --> 00:16:46.202 In the long run, the higher the supply, the lower the prices. 00:16:46.323 --> 00:16:47.968 It can be no other way. 00:16:48.330 --> 00:16:53.970 We cannot make assumptions about the speculations of individual lessors. 00:16:54.446 --> 00:16:58.674 When the Minister of Finance presents concrete calculations, 00:16:58.795 --> 00:17:02.653 you will see that these two taxes cancel each other out 00:17:02.774 --> 00:17:05.708 in most of Slovenia, except Ljubljana, 00:17:05.828 --> 00:17:08.078 the coast and Kranjska gora. 00:17:08.317 --> 00:17:10.543 Increasing rents will not help, 00:17:10.664 --> 00:17:14.945 as the tax will already be cancelled out by current rents. 00:17:15.132 --> 00:17:19.965 The speculation you speak of will be present or justifiable 00:17:20.086 --> 00:17:23.019 in very few cases, and I believe that they 00:17:23.140 --> 00:17:25.945 will not cause significant stirs on the market. 00:17:26.066 --> 00:17:30.483 So, those are the starting points. We now have a month 00:17:30.604 --> 00:17:33.187 to find concrete legal solutions 00:17:33.308 --> 00:17:36.044 to adequately address these misgivings. 00:17:36.165 --> 00:17:39.025 I feel optimistic that we will find them. 00:17:39.784 --> 00:17:42.958 Tadej Grešovnik has another question, POP TV. 00:17:48.893 --> 00:17:51.113 You turned your microphone off. 00:18:05.231 --> 00:18:08.053 Can you hear me? -Yes. -Excellent. 00:18:08.227 --> 00:18:13.160 I was going to repeat my question, 00:18:13.281 --> 00:18:17.306 but then my colleague from N1 did so. 00:18:18.164 --> 00:18:20.844 But since I have the floor, 00:18:21.043 --> 00:18:28.084 as you say, Prime Minister, in most cases regarding housing, 00:18:28.205 --> 00:18:32.507 this will be cancelled out, 00:18:32.628 --> 00:18:39.859 meaning the tax and their annual profit from rents. 00:18:40.144 --> 00:18:45.842 I am wondering what the purpose of this tax is if, for instance, 00:18:46.021 --> 00:18:50.683 I, as a wealthy individual, purchase ten apartments, 00:18:50.804 --> 00:18:55.581 and charge a good rent for all ten of them. 00:18:55.702 --> 00:18:59.202 In the end it cancels out and I pay no tax. 00:18:59.323 --> 00:19:01.546 So a person with ten apartments 00:19:01.667 --> 00:19:05.853 pays nothing at the end of the year, when it cancels out. 00:19:06.100 --> 00:19:10.207 On the other hand, we are burdening someone 00:19:10.461 --> 00:19:14.878 who only has a small apartment in Izola, for instance, 00:19:14.999 --> 00:19:20.356 and has to pay, let's say, a 2000 euro annual tax for this apartment. 00:19:20.477 --> 00:19:24.889 Is this system as fair as you say? 00:19:25.010 --> 00:19:30.380 Again, and this is directed at the coalition partners as well, 00:19:30.877 --> 00:19:36.237 is that how you envisioned this legislation? 00:19:37.611 --> 00:19:39.383 Let me answer. -Go ahead. 00:19:39.504 --> 00:19:43.013 I think that no one else in Europe or in the world 00:19:43.134 --> 00:19:47.426 can find all solutions in two minutes like we Slovenians can. 00:19:48.698 --> 00:19:53.953 Many such issues will arise while we adopt this legislation. 00:19:55.377 --> 00:19:58.186 That is why I said at the very beginning 00:19:58.818 --> 00:20:02.405 that today we set a direction, starting points. 00:20:02.619 --> 00:20:07.045 If we find that we won't hit the target with this, 00:20:07.445 --> 00:20:12.097 we're going to change it so that we get mainly empty flats, 00:20:12.217 --> 00:20:15.851 perhaps for a lower rent, and we collect money 00:20:15.971 --> 00:20:20.535 from whoever has a flat in Ljubljana instead of money in the bank, 00:20:20.655 --> 00:20:24.391 so that they will pay some tax. It's a simple story. 00:20:24.511 --> 00:20:27.607 If we realise that maybe something's not working, 00:20:27.727 --> 00:20:31.044 that we haven't found the right solution, we'll change it. 00:20:31.164 --> 00:20:34.373 We're not talking about the articles of the act today, 00:20:34.493 --> 00:20:38.240 because I haven't seen them, none of us have. 00:20:39.953 --> 00:20:44.886 Okay, we've exhausted ... No, we haven't. Sara Neubauer, N1. 00:20:48.862 --> 00:20:54.224 A question for Mr Han. When will the Airbnb act come into force? 00:20:54.345 --> 00:20:56.856 When do you expect these flats to come 00:20:56.976 --> 00:20:59.954 onto the long-term rental market? 00:21:00.196 --> 00:21:03.971 Will they? How is that looking? -I know how difficult it is 00:21:04.091 --> 00:21:06.794 to pass a legislation that didn't exist before, 00:21:06.914 --> 00:21:11.527 and clashes with a lot of interests, 00:21:11.648 --> 00:21:14.473 which is all legitimate and normal. 00:21:14.593 --> 00:21:17.083 We've held a public debate. 00:21:17.304 --> 00:21:21.740 We still have, perhaps, different views about those who rent out rooms, 00:21:21.860 --> 00:21:24.883 which we'll resolve in the next few days. 00:21:25.003 --> 00:21:31.123 In January, the act will be put forward to the Government 00:21:31.244 --> 00:21:34.076 and it will go through the ordinary procedure, 00:21:34.196 --> 00:21:38.665 not abbreviated or urgent procedure, the parliamentary procedure. 00:21:38.785 --> 00:21:42.308 There were more than 450 comments on this act. 00:21:42.428 --> 00:21:46.298 We've had a lot of round tables, discussions and so on. 00:21:46.418 --> 00:21:49.795 We won't come to the same denominator with everything, 00:21:49.915 --> 00:21:57.259 but the intention of the Government and of our ministry 00:21:57.380 --> 00:21:59.990 will go through this procedure. 00:22:00.111 --> 00:22:02.436 The municipalities will have the final say 00:22:02.556 --> 00:22:07.815 on whether in some they will be able to rent out 365 days a year, 00:22:07.935 --> 00:22:11.359 some will limit it to the before-mentioned 90 days. 00:22:11.479 --> 00:22:13.711 Or 60 days. 00:22:13.832 --> 00:22:18.569 So the matter is now ready to go to the Government in January. 00:22:18.689 --> 00:22:23.395 Now we've exhausted this topic. Prime Minister, network charges. 00:22:23.515 --> 00:22:25.825 Today the Government also dealt with 00:22:25.945 --> 00:22:28.698 the very important issue of network charges 00:22:28.818 --> 00:22:31.579 or the cost of electricity supply. 00:22:31.901 --> 00:22:36.770 In recent weeks, we've received a huge number of complaints, 00:22:36.890 --> 00:22:41.299 and a huge number of calls from both individuals and businesses 00:22:41.419 --> 00:22:43.534 for us to intervene in this area. 00:22:43.654 --> 00:22:48.455 Analyses and consultation meetings have been carried out in the meantime. 00:22:48.575 --> 00:22:51.202 Unfortunately, we have had to conclude that 00:22:51.322 --> 00:22:54.775 the Network Charges Act and the methodology on which it's based ... 00:22:54.895 --> 00:22:58.200 Are we missing ... -Keep talking. -Okay. 00:22:58.904 --> 00:23:02.499 We've had to conclude that both the Network Charges Act 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:05.297 and the methodology on which it's based 00:23:05.417 --> 00:23:09.908 simply don't meet basic legal expectations. 00:23:10.611 --> 00:23:14.656 It doesn't encourage the use of clean technologies 00:23:14.776 --> 00:23:18.476 but, on the contrary, penalises the users of clean technologies, 00:23:18.596 --> 00:23:22.275 and it doesn't take into account the principle of proportionality 00:23:22.395 --> 00:23:24.669 of the burden on the economy. 00:23:24.789 --> 00:23:27.911 Instead of going through a transitional period, 00:23:28.031 --> 00:23:33.655 it has done it all at once and disproportionately. 00:23:34.126 --> 00:23:39.614 For this reason, the Government has decided to call on the Energy Agency 00:23:39.734 --> 00:23:44.428 to establish the conditions under which the old system 00:23:44.549 --> 00:23:48.180 of charging the network charge returns as of 1 February. 00:23:48.300 --> 00:23:51.304 To return from the current situation, 00:23:51.425 --> 00:23:53.657 which I consider to be totally inappropriate, 00:23:53.777 --> 00:23:58.914 to the situation that was in force from 1 January this year 00:23:59.035 --> 00:24:01.637 until the end of September this year, 00:24:01.757 --> 00:24:04.309 to return to the old network charge system. 00:24:04.429 --> 00:24:08.646 At the same time, we're calling on the Agency Council 00:24:08.766 --> 00:24:12.327 to resign and accept responsibility for the situation, 00:24:12.447 --> 00:24:15.557 in view of the shortcomings that have been identified. 00:24:15.677 --> 00:24:21.851 We expect that once the old system is back in place, 00:24:22.182 --> 00:24:26.888 the Agency will draw up a new act, a new methodology, 00:24:27.009 --> 00:24:30.967 which will more adequately cover all those legal provisions 00:24:31.087 --> 00:24:34.495 that aren't covered by the current methodology. 00:24:34.615 --> 00:24:38.418 Questions on this topic here. Rok? 00:24:40.433 --> 00:24:42.514 STA? No? 00:24:42.728 --> 00:24:46.083 There are no questions on this topic online either. 00:24:46.203 --> 00:24:49.387 Thank you to all three. -Then I will ... 00:24:49.507 --> 00:24:54.896 There are other topics. -I'll add something. -Go ahead. 00:24:55.975 --> 00:25:00.651 What I want to stress is that, as we announced a month ago, 00:25:00.771 --> 00:25:05.191 it cannot be the case that any agency can arbitrarily 00:25:05.555 --> 00:25:09.040 and on the basis of a bad methodology increase the costs 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:10.843 of the economy on the one hand 00:25:10.963 --> 00:25:14.696 and also the costs of people's electricity supply. 00:25:14.816 --> 00:25:18.619 That's why today the Government is calling on everyone 00:25:18.739 --> 00:25:20.340 to accept responsibility 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:23.985 and to either correct their actions accordingly 00:25:24.105 --> 00:25:25.705 or to resign. 00:25:27.056 --> 00:25:30.688 Rok Šuligoj, TV Slovenia. I have another question on this topic. 00:25:30.808 --> 00:25:34.475 You said that you expect the Council to accept responsibility 00:25:34.595 --> 00:25:36.847 for this situation. 00:25:36.968 --> 00:25:41.309 Does this mean that you also expect a change 00:25:41.430 --> 00:25:46.177 not only in the Council, but also in the Agency management? 00:25:46.297 --> 00:25:50.353 It's the Agency Council that appoints the management. 00:25:50.473 --> 00:25:53.933 Whereas what the politicians can expect is 00:25:54.053 --> 00:25:57.792 that those whom we put in the Agency Council 00:25:57.913 --> 00:26:00.131 accept responsibility for the situation. 00:26:00.251 --> 00:26:04.053 People are furious, the economy is desperate, 00:26:04.213 --> 00:26:06.200 and I think that pretending 00:26:06.320 --> 00:26:09.014 the methodology is in any way appropriate 00:26:09.134 --> 00:26:11.051 is no longer an option. 00:26:11.322 --> 00:26:17.261 The people who are responsible for this must bear the consequences. 00:26:17.382 --> 00:26:20.346 Lara, you've mentioned other topics. 00:26:21.401 --> 00:26:24.089 I would like to touch on current developments 00:26:24.209 --> 00:26:26.821 in the police and the Ministry of the Interior. 00:26:26.941 --> 00:26:30.254 We didn't talk about that today. -When are you expecting a report 00:26:30.374 --> 00:26:32.827 from the Minister? You said you're expecting it 00:26:32.947 --> 00:26:34.650 before you take any decisions. 00:26:34.770 --> 00:26:40.270 I'll certainly get it in the next few days. -Before the New Year? 00:26:40.594 --> 00:26:44.189 Believe me, there was no time to deal with this today, 00:26:44.309 --> 00:26:46.984 given the topic we presented earlier. -Okay. 00:26:47.104 --> 00:26:48.705 However, if I am not mistaken, 00:26:48.825 --> 00:26:51.460 you also had a health care act on the table, 00:26:51.580 --> 00:26:53.193 which you have not yet finalised. 00:26:53.313 --> 00:26:56.319 When will the Government complete the reading of this act 00:26:56.439 --> 00:26:59.311 and send the draft amendment to the National Assembly? 00:26:59.431 --> 00:27:02.398 As you know, this Government swears by social dialogue, 00:27:02.518 --> 00:27:05.497 so we have decided to read the draft act today 00:27:05.617 --> 00:27:08.429 and send it to the Economic and Social Council. 00:27:08.549 --> 00:27:10.969 This was the agreement with the social partners. 00:27:11.089 --> 00:27:14.963 The social partners will discuss it at the first session in January. 00:27:15.083 --> 00:27:19.926 I believe it will be an intensive but also successful debate. 00:27:20.046 --> 00:27:24.651 When the Economic and Social Council discusses this act, 00:27:24.772 --> 00:27:26.595 the conditions will be met 00:27:26.715 --> 00:27:29.178 for this act to be sent to the National Assembly. 00:27:29.298 --> 00:27:32.978 Of course, we could have done this without social dialogue, 00:27:33.098 --> 00:27:35.443 but I think we've taken the right decision. 00:27:35.563 --> 00:27:38.590 The draft has also been discussed by the Strategic Council. 00:27:38.710 --> 00:27:44.154 Have you made any changes or does it remain the same? 00:27:44.275 --> 00:27:46.186 Have there been any changes at all? 00:27:46.306 --> 00:27:50.243 There are no substantial changes, but I believe the social dialogue 00:27:50.363 --> 00:27:52.662 will provide some improvements. 00:27:52.782 --> 00:27:56.498 So the act is alive until Parliament approves it. 00:27:56.618 --> 00:27:58.474 What remains is the provision 00:27:58.594 --> 00:28:02.888 that doctors who are partly employed privately can do so, 00:28:03.008 --> 00:28:06.445 provided that they are at least 40% employed by a public institution. 00:28:06.565 --> 00:28:11.354 This part is still under discussion. I think that this part is changing. 00:28:11.474 --> 00:28:17.115 This will also be the biggest issue 00:28:17.236 --> 00:28:21.076 in the Economic and Social Council and we'll take a final decision 00:28:21.196 --> 00:28:22.797 after the discussion. 00:28:22.917 --> 00:28:24.908 I would like to touch on another topic, 00:28:25.028 --> 00:28:28.703 which you also announced legislation for by the end of the year, 00:28:28.823 --> 00:28:30.907 that's media legislation. 00:28:31.191 --> 00:28:32.791 How far is it, 00:28:32.912 --> 00:28:36.792 why is it not yet ready to be sent to the National Assembly, 00:28:36.912 --> 00:28:40.484 what's the problem? -Minister. 00:28:41.013 --> 00:28:48.817 We sent the media act out for public debate just over a year ago. 00:28:49.021 --> 00:28:52.386 This is one of the more complex acts, 00:28:52.507 --> 00:28:55.518 not only in the Ministry of Culture, but in general, 00:28:55.638 --> 00:28:59.672 because it concerns each and every one of us, 00:28:59.793 --> 00:29:02.259 as well as each and every department and sector. 00:29:02.379 --> 00:29:07.056 That's why there has been a lot of inter-ministerial coordination. 00:29:07.176 --> 00:29:11.274 There was extensive public debate and, in the end, coalition debate. 00:29:11.394 --> 00:29:15.502 I can say that the act is practically harmonised. 00:29:15.623 --> 00:29:19.906 We will have a debate about some small things, 00:29:20.027 --> 00:29:23.309 we will harmonise and approve it in the shortest possible time. 00:29:23.429 --> 00:29:30.263 At the same time, the act is also aligned with two important EU acts, 00:29:30.384 --> 00:29:34.668 the Media Freedom Act or EMFA, which was adopted this spring, 00:29:34.788 --> 00:29:37.898 and the Digital Services Act, 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:42.183 which also addresses AI, hate speech and so on. 00:29:42.304 --> 00:29:44.364 With the adoption of this legislation, 00:29:44.484 --> 00:29:46.906 our Government will be putting forward 00:29:47.026 --> 00:29:51.211 one of the most modern media acts in Europe, 00:29:51.332 --> 00:29:54.402 and I expect that to happen very soon. 00:29:54.522 --> 00:29:58.471 But today, you've started the reading of this act, 00:29:58.591 --> 00:30:03.203 but then you've suspended it. Why? -Today, we had the first reading. 00:30:03.323 --> 00:30:06.194 The act is, as I said, extremely extensive 00:30:06.314 --> 00:30:11.020 and, because we didn't harmonise some of the minimum things, 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:16.217 we've suspended it and we will resume it in the next days. 00:30:17.261 --> 00:30:20.327 Is that all? There are no more questions. 00:30:20.447 --> 00:30:23.863 Great. Thank you very much. -Happy holidays to everyone. 00:30:23.983 --> 00:30:27.817 Merry Christmas and good luck. -To you as well. 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:31.520 Now the Minister of Finance will join us. 00:30:38.288 --> 00:30:41.289 He'll present the proposed starting points in more detail. 00:30:41.409 --> 00:30:47.159 And then Bojan Kumer, who's going somewhere, so he doesn't go too far. 00:30:48.175 --> 00:30:50.425 Go ahead, Minister. Welcome. 00:31:00.100 --> 00:31:02.322 Go ahead. -Good afternoon. 00:31:02.953 --> 00:31:06.694 Today, the Government approved the proposed starting points 00:31:06.814 --> 00:31:09.299 for taxing property on the one hand, 00:31:09.419 --> 00:31:12.188 and relieving the burden on labour on the other. 00:31:12.308 --> 00:31:14.695 Now, as we have been predicting all along, 00:31:14.815 --> 00:31:17.348 the path of the proposal for these starting points 00:31:17.468 --> 00:31:19.525 is continuing with the public debate. 00:31:19.645 --> 00:31:24.507 This means that all the proposals will be the subject of a debate 00:31:24.627 --> 00:31:29.178 that we want to be wide-ranging and, of course, constructive, 00:31:29.298 --> 00:31:33.380 and above all an opportunity to ensure the final measures are comprehensive. 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:35.170 As has already been said, 00:31:35.290 --> 00:31:38.476 the proposed starting points pursue two key objectives, 00:31:38.596 --> 00:31:42.775 to support housing policy and to relieve the burden on labour. 00:31:42.895 --> 00:31:45.616 We're addressing housing policy with the proposal 00:31:45.736 --> 00:31:48.606 for a tax on residential property, 00:31:48.727 --> 00:31:53.700 which aims to address a number of challenges in the housing market, 00:31:53.820 --> 00:31:55.985 such as the shadow rental market, 00:31:56.105 --> 00:31:59.436 the lack of oversight of rental relationships, 00:31:59.556 --> 00:32:02.877 the shortage of housing to solve the housing problem, 00:32:02.997 --> 00:32:04.598 and, on the other hand, 00:32:04.718 --> 00:32:08.800 the accumulation of housing as an investment, empty housing, 00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:14.533 housing used for short-term renting instead of longer tenancies. 00:32:15.176 --> 00:32:16.776 To be specific 00:32:16.897 --> 00:32:19.998 about what we have written in the proposed starting points. 00:32:20.118 --> 00:32:24.958 We would tax residential property in the territory of Slovenia. 00:32:25.078 --> 00:32:28.554 These are flats, houses and building land. 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:34.417 And now for what is, predictably and very transparently, 00:32:34.538 --> 00:32:36.594 being manipulated in the public. 00:32:36.714 --> 00:32:40.591 Saying you'll be blamed because you've been a hard worker. 00:32:40.711 --> 00:32:42.911 Let me stress this. The first property 00:32:43.031 --> 00:32:45.880 in which the owner actually lives, 00:32:46.087 --> 00:32:47.898 irrespective of its square footage, 00:32:48.018 --> 00:32:52.440 would be completely exempt from this tax under this proposal. 00:32:52.560 --> 00:32:54.943 Just as importantly, other properties 00:32:55.063 --> 00:32:58.284 that would be taxed under these proposals would, however, 00:32:58.404 --> 00:33:01.561 receive a significant tax advantage 00:33:01.682 --> 00:33:05.437 if they are rented out under lease agreements. 00:33:06.437 --> 00:33:14.013 The starting points propose a tax rate of 1.45% on the tax base, 00:33:14.323 --> 00:33:16.977 which is the generalised value of the property 00:33:17.097 --> 00:33:20.204 as assessed by the Surveying and Mapping Authority. 00:33:20.324 --> 00:33:26.304 The rental tax advantage would reduce the tax liability 00:33:26.425 --> 00:33:30.211 by 25% of the amount of the rentals declared. 00:33:31.017 --> 00:33:34.592 This level of the rental tax advantage 00:33:34.763 --> 00:33:37.819 is a significant incentive for the correct declaration 00:33:37.939 --> 00:33:41.820 and payment of rental income tax, 00:33:42.100 --> 00:33:44.582 as the amount of the rental tax advantage 00:33:44.702 --> 00:33:49.014 even exceeds the amount of rental income tax paid. 00:33:49.440 --> 00:33:53.185 The residential property tax would be levied 00:33:53.306 --> 00:33:59.077 on both private and legal entities who own residential property. 00:33:59.838 --> 00:34:04.168 In this case, dwellings used for short-term tourist rentals 00:34:04.288 --> 00:34:08.350 would not benefit from a reduction in tax liability. 00:34:08.470 --> 00:34:12.043 At this point, we link the new taxation to the regulation 00:34:12.163 --> 00:34:14.925 to be introduced by the Hospitality Industry Act, 00:34:15.045 --> 00:34:18.059 which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Economy 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:19.929 and follows EU rules. 00:34:20.778 --> 00:34:24.242 The inclusion of building land in the taxation is essential 00:34:24.362 --> 00:34:29.026 as it also embeds the spatial policy mechanism into the system. 00:34:29.146 --> 00:34:34.487 We want to improve the supply of building land, 00:34:34.674 --> 00:34:38.989 as young people are also faced with the fact that suitable building land 00:34:39.109 --> 00:34:42.836 isn't available because existing land isn't being used. 00:34:42.956 --> 00:34:48.736 Municipalities can't record new building land due to quota occupancy. 00:34:49.542 --> 00:34:51.841 The tax on residential property 00:34:51.961 --> 00:34:55.781 doesn't affect the compensation for the use of building land, 00:34:55.901 --> 00:35:00.844 which is the municipalities' revenue for making investments in their area. 00:35:00.964 --> 00:35:03.492 In view of duplication, we're proposing 00:35:03.613 --> 00:35:06.418 abolishing the current property tax. 00:35:06.539 --> 00:35:09.163 In this way, we aim to raise funds 00:35:09.283 --> 00:35:13.002 that will be used in full for relieving the burden on labour, 00:35:13.122 --> 00:35:16.029 just as we have been predicting all along. 00:35:16.149 --> 00:35:19.726 We consider it particularly important to relieve the middle class, 00:35:19.846 --> 00:35:22.842 where the labour shortage is greatest. 00:35:22.962 --> 00:35:25.876 In the proposed starting points, we also take into account 00:35:25.996 --> 00:35:29.186 that important changes are being prepared 00:35:29.306 --> 00:35:31.955 in both pension and health care reform. 00:35:32.075 --> 00:35:36.105 We therefore want to bring all these measures together. 00:35:36.225 --> 00:35:39.665 In this way, we want to show the full impact of all the changes 00:35:39.785 --> 00:35:43.176 to all those involved, to the social partners and to the people. 00:35:43.296 --> 00:35:46.470 Among the possible measures to relieve the burden on labour 00:35:46.590 --> 00:35:50.613 we're proposing the introduction of a special personal tax allowance 00:35:50.733 --> 00:35:55.375 for income from employment, the so-called in work tax allowance. 00:35:55.495 --> 00:35:57.340 Just as an example, 00:35:57.716 --> 00:36:05.586 in the form of a reduction in the tax base of 2.000 euros annually, 00:36:06.105 --> 00:36:08.911 under the current regulation, comparable to tax allowance 00:36:09.031 --> 00:36:11.758 for young people up to the age of 29, 00:36:11.878 --> 00:36:14.314 which was introduced by the Government in 2022 00:36:14.434 --> 00:36:16.338 and remains unchanged. 00:36:17.104 --> 00:36:20.688 And the change in the income tax scale and rates 00:36:20.808 --> 00:36:23.730 to relieve the middle class. 00:36:23.851 --> 00:36:27.527 I'd like to emphasise specifically, these are starting points. 00:36:27.647 --> 00:36:30.316 These are the two directions we're aiming at. 00:36:30.436 --> 00:36:33.371 I believe that in the course of the public debate, 00:36:33.491 --> 00:36:35.699 we will come up with the measures 00:36:35.819 --> 00:36:39.879 that will be most appropriate to relieve the burden on labour. 00:36:39.999 --> 00:36:42.483 We want to make a significant leap forward 00:36:42.603 --> 00:36:46.607 in changing the structure of taxes and social security contributions 00:36:46.727 --> 00:36:51.184 and to have a positive impact on Slovenia's competitiveness. 00:36:51.304 --> 00:36:54.683 Given the fact that the economic structure of taxes 00:36:54.803 --> 00:36:58.881 and social security contributions in Slovenia is not the most favourable, 00:36:59.001 --> 00:37:02.255 due to the above-average burden on labour 00:37:02.375 --> 00:37:05.847 and, on the other hand, the below-average burden on property, 00:37:05.967 --> 00:37:10.205 it's therefore important that we also have an impact on the latter 00:37:10.325 --> 00:37:13.881 through this balanced approach in various areas. 00:37:14.001 --> 00:37:15.802 This is one of the indicators 00:37:15.922 --> 00:37:18.836 of ensuring a competitive business environment 00:37:18.956 --> 00:37:22.703 and an internationally comparable labour market. 00:37:22.823 --> 00:37:25.902 It's important, through a combination of different measures, 00:37:26.022 --> 00:37:28.509 to ensure, through the improvement in net wages, 00:37:28.629 --> 00:37:31.193 competitiveness in employment, 00:37:31.600 --> 00:37:35.820 as economy representatives have been reminding us all along. 00:37:35.940 --> 00:37:40.955 Our proposal also has significant effects at individual level. 00:37:41.075 --> 00:37:44.447 Taking into account the proposal and the relief, 00:37:44.567 --> 00:37:46.851 an individual with a minimum wage 00:37:46.971 --> 00:37:51.221 would receive an annual net pay increase of 300 euros, 00:37:51.341 --> 00:37:54.500 and with an average wage 520 euros. 00:37:55.114 --> 00:37:58.875 All the measures are at this point in time 00:37:58.996 --> 00:38:01.649 designed in the form of starting points 00:38:01.769 --> 00:38:04.767 based on the analyses of the Ministry of Finance 00:38:04.887 --> 00:38:06.487 and impact data. 00:38:06.808 --> 00:38:10.427 We will now put these starting points out for public debate 00:38:10.547 --> 00:38:13.848 and, in the meantime, we will also carry out in-depth coordination 00:38:13.968 --> 00:38:16.595 both within the coalition, with the social partners, 00:38:16.715 --> 00:38:20.821 and with the ministries in charge of the individual reforms. 00:38:20.941 --> 00:38:23.327 We believe that these proposed measures 00:38:23.447 --> 00:38:26.888 will directly or indirectly address the two main objectives 00:38:27.008 --> 00:38:28.829 we have set ourselves. 00:38:28.949 --> 00:38:31.271 The first is to help the housing market 00:38:31.391 --> 00:38:33.531 to improve the conditions for young people 00:38:33.651 --> 00:38:35.489 to address their housing problem. 00:38:35.609 --> 00:38:38.034 The second is to relieve the burden on labour 00:38:38.154 --> 00:38:40.986 in order to improve the competitiveness of the economy 00:38:41.106 --> 00:38:43.034 and stimulate the labour market. 00:38:43.154 --> 00:38:46.749 Let me add that this proposal is a further step 00:38:46.869 --> 00:38:48.971 towards comprehensive tax reform, 00:38:49.091 --> 00:38:52.540 which, as you know, we have undertaken in several steps. 00:38:52.660 --> 00:38:54.734 The first tax package has been approved. 00:38:54.854 --> 00:38:59.768 In it, we addressed competitiveness in the race for key foreign staff. 00:38:59.888 --> 00:39:03.418 We want to see the proposals we're presenting today, 00:39:03.538 --> 00:39:06.297 along with some other measures, 00:39:06.418 --> 00:39:09.522 included in the second tax package. 00:39:09.643 --> 00:39:14.432 Thank you. -Lara, any questions on this topic? No? 00:39:16.173 --> 00:39:20.080 There are no questions online, Minister, 00:39:20.201 --> 00:39:25.601 so we wish you happy holidays and a happy New Year. -Thank you. 00:39:26.169 --> 00:39:28.761 And now for the last one, Bojan Kumer, 00:39:28.881 --> 00:39:31.305 on the topic of network charges. 00:39:31.425 --> 00:39:36.301 As we've said, the Government has called for certain changes. 00:39:36.421 --> 00:39:39.607 Go ahead. -Thank you very much for the floor. 00:39:39.727 --> 00:39:42.026 As the Prime Minister has already said, 00:39:42.146 --> 00:39:48.018 today the Government has revisited the network charges, 00:39:48.558 --> 00:39:52.360 and we have adopted three decisions. 00:39:52.481 --> 00:39:55.691 They've already been briefly summarised by the Prime Minister. 00:39:55.811 --> 00:40:00.901 I would just like to add that all three decisions follow 00:40:01.191 --> 00:40:04.605 what the government already communicated a month ago. 00:40:05.110 --> 00:40:11.503 We wanted to soothe the increase in network charges 00:40:11.613 --> 00:40:16.285 by altering the items in the final invoice that could be altered. 00:40:16.464 --> 00:40:20.628 This way, the prices for 100% consumption were regulated 00:40:20.801 --> 00:40:22.401 and lowered. 00:40:22.589 --> 00:40:26.894 We decreased the cost of electricity 00:40:27.040 --> 00:40:28.972 for an average user. 00:40:29.321 --> 00:40:33.777 Some notice these changes in network charges, 00:40:34.008 --> 00:40:36.707 others in energy costs, and vice versa. 00:40:37.086 --> 00:40:41.355 We modelled our prices on average household consumption. 00:40:41.780 --> 00:40:46.238 The government has agreed 00:40:46.594 --> 00:40:51.933 for the operator of transmission network 00:40:52.243 --> 00:40:55.191 and the operator of distribution network Eles 00:40:55.684 --> 00:41:00.058 to provide in-depth analysis of the current network system 00:41:00.219 --> 00:41:02.542 focusing on time blocks analysis 00:41:02.876 --> 00:41:05.726 and its adequacy. 00:41:06.047 --> 00:41:11.922 The second decision was on verification 00:41:12.359 --> 00:41:17.179 by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy 00:41:17.531 --> 00:41:22.789 whether charging the renewable energy contribution 00:41:23.056 --> 00:41:29.437 is appropriate because the power of the network system has changed. 00:41:30.204 --> 00:41:34.474 This verification is currently ongoing. 00:41:34.844 --> 00:41:39.263 Because we've had many complaints and appeals, 00:41:40.289 --> 00:41:46.489 even vociferous demands 00:41:46.757 --> 00:41:56.219 that the system overlooked many consumer groups. 00:41:56.711 --> 00:42:01.446 I'm talking about more than 70,000 consumers, 00:42:01.680 --> 00:42:08.321 who have helped put green transition into practice for years. 00:42:08.701 --> 00:42:15.638 These consumers were hit by enormous costs. 00:42:16.179 --> 00:42:23.809 The new system has not changed proportionately 00:42:23.938 --> 00:42:29.318 or focused on typical consumer groups, namely business customers. 00:42:30.164 --> 00:42:35.864 Today's discussion focused on two things. 00:42:36.415 --> 00:42:43.005 Minister for Economy presented data 00:42:43.446 --> 00:42:49.114 that the Chamber of Commerce forwarded to the Ministry as well. 00:42:49.615 --> 00:42:59.281 We have demanded an in-depth analysis by the operator of transmission network 00:42:59.523 --> 00:43:03.960 to receive a big enough sample of all consumer groups 00:43:04.312 --> 00:43:09.952 to see how the new network charge affects all typical consumers, 00:43:10.164 --> 00:43:12.859 both business and private ones. 00:43:13.188 --> 00:43:18.929 However, the data that was presented by Minister Han today, 00:43:19.257 --> 00:43:23.459 already shows disproportion. 00:43:23.819 --> 00:43:30.029 That's why we're prompting 00:43:30.292 --> 00:43:32.252 the Agency to change the Act. 00:43:32.759 --> 00:43:35.737 The Deadline is January 8 2025. 00:43:36.188 --> 00:43:41.260 The network system should be reverted by February 1. 00:43:41.522 --> 00:43:45.924 These anomalies should be abolished in the old system 00:43:46.165 --> 00:43:48.764 or the new system improved in such way that the anomalies 00:43:48.975 --> 00:43:50.655 become non-existant. 00:43:50.803 --> 00:43:55.928 We also want 00:43:56.915 --> 00:44:01.990 a modification of the new system without any anomalies. 00:44:02.374 --> 00:44:06.372 These are the three points that followed discussion. 00:44:07.039 --> 00:44:08.639 Thank you, Minister. Any questions? 00:44:09.334 --> 00:44:12.466 Lara? No? Rok? No questions online? 00:44:12.898 --> 00:44:15.279 Thank you for the additional clarification. 00:44:15.454 --> 00:44:19.779 This was the last press conference this year, baring natural disasters. 00:44:20.211 --> 00:44:23.312 I wish you all a peaceful holiday period and all the best 00:44:23.438 --> 00:44:25.938 in the following year. Goodbye.