WEBVTT 00:00:00.473 --> 00:00:02.073 Hello. 00:00:02.240 --> 00:00:06.266 Prime Minister and Freedom Movement President Robert Golob, 00:00:06.413 --> 00:00:09.650 Minister and Coordinator of the Left Asta Vrečko, 00:00:09.796 --> 00:00:13.882 and Minister and President of the Social Democrats Matjaž Han 00:00:14.003 --> 00:00:18.503 will present the conclusions of today's Coalition Summit. 00:00:18.690 --> 00:00:23.416 At today's Coalition Summit, we reexamined and confirmed 00:00:23.530 --> 00:00:27.236 the commitments our coalition has made to the people. 00:00:27.370 --> 00:00:31.149 Three areas we discussed today concern all generations. 00:00:31.330 --> 00:00:34.316 We talked about accessible public healthcare, 00:00:34.457 --> 00:00:36.803 a sustainable pension system, 00:00:36.957 --> 00:00:39.096 and housing for young people. 00:00:39.223 --> 00:00:42.983 I can say that the coalition has come together, 00:00:43.137 --> 00:00:47.343 that we not only share our goals but can realize them 00:00:47.470 --> 00:00:49.423 by the end of the term, 00:00:49.544 --> 00:00:52.023 and that we'll realize them together. 00:00:52.157 --> 00:00:55.536 That's the best way for the coalition 00:00:55.710 --> 00:00:58.643 to get ready for the next election 00:00:58.783 --> 00:01:00.829 and win a new term. 00:01:00.957 --> 00:01:04.189 That's our common determination. 00:01:04.370 --> 00:01:06.830 A quick look at the various areas: 00:01:06.957 --> 00:01:12.756 Our first subject was strengthening the public healthcare system. 00:01:12.910 --> 00:01:18.856 Perhaps some of you remember the previous summit in September, 00:01:19.003 --> 00:01:23.396 when we introduced measures to improve accessibility and quality. 00:01:23.517 --> 00:01:26.103 These measures have since come true. 00:01:26.257 --> 00:01:30.123 We introduced legislation to ensure quality in healthcare, 00:01:30.283 --> 00:01:35.283 and the Healthcare Activity Act is about to be passed by Parliament. 00:01:35.410 --> 00:01:38.863 It represents a huge change to the current system 00:01:38.997 --> 00:01:43.103 by introducing a firm distinction between the public system 00:01:43.223 --> 00:01:44.956 and private providers. 00:01:45.077 --> 00:01:49.543 It has a single goal: to strengthen the public healthcare system 00:01:49.683 --> 00:01:56.840 and reward all the committed, motivated employees 00:01:57.017 --> 00:02:01.523 in the public healthcare system, from carers and nurses to doctors, 00:02:01.644 --> 00:02:05.136 thereby ensuring they will be able to spend more time 00:02:05.257 --> 00:02:07.016 on their patients. 00:02:07.637 --> 00:02:12.750 I'd like to add that in 2024 alone, 00:02:12.883 --> 00:02:16.576 more than 40 regulations, administrative acts, 00:02:16.697 --> 00:02:19.430 and other documents have been passed 00:02:19.590 --> 00:02:21.936 in the field of healthcare. 00:02:22.097 --> 00:02:25.323 This shows that this most complex of reforms 00:02:25.483 --> 00:02:29.463 consists of many small steps, 00:02:29.603 --> 00:02:32.843 and that we'll carry on in this direction. 00:02:32.970 --> 00:02:36.103 It's a complex system that needs to be reformed 00:02:36.270 --> 00:02:39.643 the right way using small steps. 00:02:40.030 --> 00:02:44.463 In the field of planned reform to the pension system, 00:02:44.584 --> 00:02:47.797 we were informed about the state of negotiations. 00:02:47.918 --> 00:02:50.403 As you probably know, the negotiations 00:02:50.524 --> 00:02:54.296 between the social partners are nearing their conclusion, 00:02:54.417 --> 00:02:58.423 which is expected late this week, so we can't go into detail. 00:02:58.563 --> 00:03:03.703 The purpose of this reform is to ensure sustainable 00:03:03.830 --> 00:03:09.063 public finances, while also guaranteeing new retirees, 00:03:09.184 --> 00:03:13.143 those who will retire in the next few years, 00:03:13.297 --> 00:03:15.802 to receive fair pensions. 00:03:15.923 --> 00:03:19.616 One way to achieve this is by increasing 00:03:19.750 --> 00:03:21.617 the rate of withheld taxes. 00:03:21.777 --> 00:03:26.190 But let's allow the negotiators to conclude their work. 00:03:26.343 --> 00:03:29.516 We'll have enough time to discuss this publicly. 00:03:29.650 --> 00:03:32.810 However, I can already say that we won't extend 00:03:32.963 --> 00:03:36.482 the contribution period, which will stay at 40 years. 00:03:36.603 --> 00:03:40.056 The third area is the expedited construction 00:03:40.183 --> 00:03:43.490 of public rental housing. This is something 00:03:43.637 --> 00:03:46.350 that has been discussed a lot in public. 00:03:46.483 --> 00:03:49.870 Today, some specific projects have been introduced. 00:03:50.037 --> 00:03:53.123 We're dealing with more than 2000 projects, 00:03:53.257 --> 00:03:57.696 where construction could get underway by the end of this year 00:03:57.817 --> 00:04:00.423 or the beginning of 2026. 00:04:00.557 --> 00:04:05.596 These projects will be introduced to the public when launched. 00:04:05.783 --> 00:04:11.643 We're optimistic when we see 00:04:11.797 --> 00:04:15.503 more potential projects every month. 00:04:15.663 --> 00:04:20.676 We're therefore confident that this construction project 00:04:20.830 --> 00:04:23.363 is not just feasible, 00:04:23.530 --> 00:04:27.896 but that the results will be seen mostly in the next term, 00:04:28.030 --> 00:04:29.710 which is perfectly fine. 00:04:29.917 --> 00:04:33.883 At the same time, we have housing legislation in the works. 00:04:34.043 --> 00:04:37.823 It will be ready for public consultation next week 00:04:37.944 --> 00:04:41.036 and then confirmed by the government in April. 00:04:41.163 --> 00:04:45.623 In conclusion, we stuck to three areas, 00:04:45.763 --> 00:04:49.349 where we made commitments before the election 00:04:49.490 --> 00:04:53.656 and where we feel we will make good 00:04:53.850 --> 00:04:57.263 on our commitments by the end of the term. 00:04:57.417 --> 00:05:00.263 We don't want this to be all talk. 00:05:00.384 --> 00:05:04.543 We want the results to speak for themselves, and the results 00:05:04.697 --> 00:05:08.843 will be apparent in all three areas before the end of our term. 00:05:08.983 --> 00:05:13.563 Thank you. Go ahead, Minister. -Ladies first. 00:05:14.123 --> 00:05:16.189 OK, thanks. 00:05:16.310 --> 00:05:21.670 Thank you to the Prime Minister for the introduction. 00:05:21.823 --> 00:05:27.960 As mentioned, we organized this summit primarily 00:05:28.103 --> 00:05:33.003 to go through our key projects. 00:05:33.170 --> 00:05:41.003 None of these three areas is simple or easy, and all three 00:05:41.177 --> 00:05:45.010 are based on the concept of solidarity. 00:05:45.143 --> 00:05:51.363 This is important because governments in the past 00:05:51.483 --> 00:05:56.023 failed to tackle much-needed reforms with this in mind. 00:05:56.177 --> 00:06:02.089 We heard two interesting bits of data from Minister Maljevac. 00:06:02.203 --> 00:06:07.649 First was the fact that between 2001 and 2022, 00:06:07.810 --> 00:06:14.489 4400 rental homes were built. That's 200 a year. 00:06:14.637 --> 00:06:18.509 This year, on the other hand, more than 2000 affordable 00:06:18.663 --> 00:06:23.870 public homes will be built. 00:06:24.023 --> 00:06:28.496 The construction will start. -Their construction will start, 00:06:28.630 --> 00:06:33.089 but we've completed just as many during our term. 00:06:33.223 --> 00:06:36.456 This is an irreversible trend. 00:06:36.583 --> 00:06:41.063 The robust system required for the construction of housing, 00:06:41.210 --> 00:06:44.903 from the idea to completion, 00:06:45.024 --> 00:06:48.964 represents a long process that had ground to a halt. 00:06:49.137 --> 00:06:53.103 For various convenient reasons, the previous governments 00:06:53.270 --> 00:06:57.109 refused to tackle this. Another data point is telling. 00:06:57.250 --> 00:07:02.629 Between 2015 and 2022, only a bit more than €15 million 00:07:02.750 --> 00:07:05.543 were invested into this sector. 00:07:05.697 --> 00:07:12.029 On the other hand, we've set aside €151 million, including this year, 00:07:12.150 --> 00:07:18.250 while in the budget that has already been approved, 00:07:18.417 --> 00:07:22.896 the government will set aside €251 million 00:07:23.037 --> 00:07:26.436 for the construction of affordable public housing. 00:07:26.570 --> 00:07:30.910 This data shows that we've taken our election promises seriously 00:07:31.070 --> 00:07:35.109 and that we're going to realize them, regardless of 00:07:35.270 --> 00:07:41.635 of how difficult that is and what kind of foundation we were given. 00:07:41.756 --> 00:07:45.662 Because of that, I'm proud of the Ministry 00:07:45.796 --> 00:07:50.190 for a Solidarity-Based Future and am glad to be a part 00:07:50.357 --> 00:07:55.536 of a government that is taking affordable rental housing 00:07:55.657 --> 00:07:58.143 for young people seriously. 00:07:58.303 --> 00:08:02.403 Access to housing is a human right, and we failed to give 00:08:02.563 --> 00:08:04.830 this enough attention in the past. 00:08:04.977 --> 00:08:12.356 Another important topic that is also solidarity-related 00:08:12.477 --> 00:08:16.390 is healthcare. Over the past 12 years, 00:08:16.577 --> 00:08:19.916 including two terms in the opposition, 00:08:20.050 --> 00:08:24.016 the Left has placed healthcare at the top of our priorities, 00:08:24.163 --> 00:08:26.416 It affects every one of us. 00:08:26.550 --> 00:08:33.803 Being healthy is a privilege. Sadly, life is unpredictable, 00:08:33.977 --> 00:08:37.996 and we often need access to healthcare 00:08:38.130 --> 00:08:41.549 in the most difficult circumstances. 00:08:41.670 --> 00:08:45.623 No one wants to be met with a closed door. 00:08:47.177 --> 00:08:52.609 The system we've set up... I need to point out 00:08:52.763 --> 00:08:56.903 that the Left and Minister Valentina Prevolnik Rupel 00:08:57.090 --> 00:09:01.349 are working together very well and that she knows how to listen 00:09:01.470 --> 00:09:04.650 to various actors and coalition partners. 00:09:04.810 --> 00:09:10.956 The system that has emerged here and is will be approved by MPs 00:09:11.110 --> 00:09:12.710 is a good system. 00:09:12.863 --> 00:09:17.136 It will repair certain important features that have broken down 00:09:17.257 --> 00:09:19.910 over three decades, and most of all, 00:09:20.031 --> 00:09:23.317 it will create a clear distinction between public 00:09:23.438 --> 00:09:27.850 and private healthcare. Since independence, 00:09:27.983 --> 00:09:33.996 this distinction has broken down. It's not a good thing for patients 00:09:34.143 --> 00:09:38.043 when politicians argue about healthcare. 00:09:38.157 --> 00:09:43.543 Once again, I stress that the Left is happy 00:09:43.670 --> 00:09:46.469 to be members of this coalition, 00:09:46.637 --> 00:09:51.629 that we have a good framework in all key areas 00:09:51.750 --> 00:09:55.697 where we set goals at the start of our term, 00:09:55.877 --> 00:09:58.710 and healthcare is one of them. Thank you. 00:10:00.351 --> 00:10:04.522 Thank you. I will be quick. Today, we talked 00:10:04.642 --> 00:10:07.746 about three acts 00:10:07.866 --> 00:10:13.800 that will affect everyone in our society. 00:10:15.006 --> 00:10:20.600 We can be satisfied with the pension reform 00:10:21.641 --> 00:10:25.240 that Luka Mesec presented. It goes in the right direction. 00:10:25.532 --> 00:10:29.566 I will not say more right now 00:10:29.686 --> 00:10:32.686 because the coordination is in the last phase 00:10:32.806 --> 00:10:36.002 and it is important 00:10:36.122 --> 00:10:40.640 that the Economic and Social Council agrees on it. 00:10:40.962 --> 00:10:45.715 It has to be coordinated with the young and old because the reform 00:10:45.835 --> 00:10:49.437 will come into force next year 00:10:49.557 --> 00:10:52.937 and will stay in force for 15 years. 00:10:53.057 --> 00:10:59.760 We are going in the right direction and the Social Democrats support it. 00:11:00.130 --> 00:11:04.275 The healthcare reform is in the second phase. 00:11:05.223 --> 00:11:11.560 The legislation is in the Parliament. 00:11:12.812 --> 00:11:15.859 We think it is necessary 00:11:15.979 --> 00:11:19.820 to bring order in the healthcare system, 00:11:19.940 --> 00:11:24.400 so that everyone will be able to get to the doctor. 00:11:24.520 --> 00:11:30.807 It is not easy, but I believe we will handle it in the next months 00:11:30.928 --> 00:11:34.060 and when the legislation is passed, 00:11:34.180 --> 00:11:38.789 patients that need the healthcare system 00:11:38.909 --> 00:11:44.280 will see positive results. The third topic is housing. 00:11:44.791 --> 00:11:51.593 I will not talk about numbers because it is not necessary. 00:11:51.713 --> 00:11:57.910 What matters is that the Government will finance it 00:11:58.030 --> 00:12:02.000 with state funds. 00:12:02.612 --> 00:12:08.280 We need the basis. Appartements cannot be built in half a year, 00:12:08.829 --> 00:12:14.388 but we will prepare the basis for the Public Housing fund 00:12:14.508 --> 00:12:21.310 to be stronger. We have to follow two goals. 00:12:21.430 --> 00:12:26.907 Affordable housing for the middle class 00:12:27.027 --> 00:12:32.400 and because there will be more housing available, 00:12:32.520 --> 00:12:37.270 it will become cheaper because the prices have skyrocketed. 00:12:37.390 --> 00:12:41.478 If we manage to do this, we achieved our goal. 00:12:41.598 --> 00:12:45.087 We are going in the right direction. It is not easy, 00:12:45.207 --> 00:12:50.840 but after today's coalition summit, 00:12:51.999 --> 00:12:56.096 I am optimistic. Thank you. -Now, it is time for questions. 00:12:56.216 --> 00:12:59.900 Andreja has the microphone. I ask you 00:13:00.020 --> 00:13:03.520 to first introduce yourselves. 00:13:03.990 --> 00:13:08.328 Žana Vertačnik, Pop TV. Did you talk 00:13:08.651 --> 00:13:12.478 about the most important topic globally, the defence policy 00:13:12.598 --> 00:13:16.033 and bigger defence spending? 00:13:16.153 --> 00:13:21.059 Even if you did not, I want to know your opinion 00:13:21.179 --> 00:13:25.760 on how much you are willing to spend on defence 00:13:25.880 --> 00:13:30.589 and where you would take the money. Thank you. 00:13:34.223 --> 00:13:38.280 I will be quick. We did not talk about it today. 00:13:38.400 --> 00:13:42.720 We will talk about it in the next months. As I already said, 00:13:43.496 --> 00:13:46.960 we are still preparing the plan. 00:13:47.494 --> 00:13:51.200 Any commitments will be confirmed in June 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:55.326 at the NATO summit. I want to stress 00:13:55.446 --> 00:14:02.320 that we all agree that defence and safety does not just mean weapons. 00:14:02.775 --> 00:14:06.480 We do not have any doubts about that. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:11.764 Our plan is to build defence and safety 00:14:11.885 --> 00:14:15.675 as an allied country in the international community, 00:14:15.796 --> 00:14:19.333 but at the same time, we will build our resilience 00:14:19.453 --> 00:14:21.760 that will benefit our citizens. 00:14:22.637 --> 00:14:27.074 We will present the plan in April 00:14:27.194 --> 00:14:32.560 and send it to the Parliament and there will be public discussion. 00:14:33.078 --> 00:14:37.200 I want to use this opportunity for something else 00:14:37.656 --> 00:14:41.765 the media has been reporting about, the tragedy in North Macedonia. 00:14:41.885 --> 00:14:45.520 I want to express my condolences to the victims' families 00:14:45.858 --> 00:14:49.796 and solidarity with the nation. Slovenia has responded swiftly 00:14:49.916 --> 00:14:54.960 and offered help. Our plane is in Macedonia 00:14:55.080 --> 00:15:00.280 to transport some wounded, today probably two, 00:15:00.400 --> 00:15:05.040 to the University Medical Centre for treatment. 00:15:06.284 --> 00:15:10.099 This is a part of the resilience I talked about. 00:15:10.219 --> 00:15:17.080 Tragedies happen all the time 00:15:17.379 --> 00:15:20.998 and we have to be prepared. The resilience of our system 00:15:21.118 --> 00:15:26.560 we are famous for will get its place 00:15:26.680 --> 00:15:32.320 in our future plans for improving defence and safety. 00:15:32.822 --> 00:15:36.600 Do you want to add something? -Just one thing. 00:15:36.852 --> 00:15:41.200 I want to express my condolences 00:15:41.546 --> 00:15:44.718 to North Macedonia after this tragedy. 00:15:44.838 --> 00:15:49.618 I do not remember any such tragedy 00:15:49.738 --> 00:15:54.160 and I am glad Slovenia responded immediately. 00:15:54.686 --> 00:15:59.155 Today, we did not talk 00:16:00.502 --> 00:16:06.080 about defence. We are talking about it. 00:16:06.481 --> 00:16:10.240 We have different views inside our parties as well, 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:16.150 but we cannot avoid this topic 00:16:16.270 --> 00:16:20.600 because there are wars near us. 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:27.240 I think it is hard to achieve peace with more weapons, 00:16:28.133 --> 00:16:35.080 but I am a responsible politician and our party will make the decision 00:16:35.497 --> 00:16:39.005 that will benefit our citizens. 00:16:46.363 --> 00:16:53.233 In the Left, we already expressed our condolences to Macedonia 00:16:53.353 --> 00:16:57.408 and all the families. So many lost young lives 00:16:57.528 --> 00:17:01.772 can affect the whole generation. 00:17:01.892 --> 00:17:06.715 It is a tragedy and I agree with the prime minister. 00:17:06.835 --> 00:17:10.640 Thank God we have the public healthcare system 00:17:10.760 --> 00:17:15.280 that can offer treatment 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:17.230 to some survivors, 00:17:17.351 --> 00:17:22.760 physical treatment and later, I am sure, mental as well. 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:27.427 In the Left, we have said many times 00:17:27.547 --> 00:17:33.650 that defence and stability of our country 00:17:33.770 --> 00:17:39.140 starts with public services, with public school system, 00:17:39.260 --> 00:17:45.080 healthcare and social state and this is the basis 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:49.553 for our resilience, so that together, 00:17:49.673 --> 00:17:55.313 we can face geopolitical challenges 00:17:55.433 --> 00:17:58.880 ahead of us, on one side, horiffic wars 00:17:59.000 --> 00:18:03.600 and genocide also in Europe, right in front of us, 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:07.160 and on the other side, the rise of populism 00:18:07.280 --> 00:18:10.971 in Germany, in Europe and in the USA. 00:18:11.091 --> 00:18:14.320 The situation is not exactly rosy. 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:19.169 Today, we talked about topics that are important for us 00:18:19.289 --> 00:18:23.259 today, but also tomorrow, just like everything else. 00:18:23.379 --> 00:18:27.155 Thank you. -Next question. -Luka Mlakar, N1. 00:18:27.463 --> 00:18:31.938 You did not talk about defence, 00:18:32.058 --> 00:18:36.960 but the smaller parties 00:18:37.228 --> 00:18:40.894 expected to at least start the discussion. 00:18:41.014 --> 00:18:43.014 Why did you not? 00:18:43.134 --> 00:18:49.354 Are the reason different opinions inside the parties 00:18:49.474 --> 00:18:56.040 and the coalition? Has the coalition 00:18:57.120 --> 00:18:59.560 already realised 00:18:59.681 --> 00:19:05.761 that we will have to spend more on defence? 00:19:05.927 --> 00:19:11.480 How much more and when? Can you tell us more? 00:19:13.302 --> 00:19:17.560 I have nothing to add. -Next question. 00:19:22.427 --> 00:19:28.954 Veronika Rupnik, Dnevnik. I have a question about two reforms, 00:19:29.074 --> 00:19:35.215 the long-term care and tax reform. I want to know 00:19:35.335 --> 00:19:41.460 if you will think about postponing or lowering the contribution 00:19:41.580 --> 00:19:45.880 because we know there will be problems. 00:19:47.390 --> 00:19:53.185 And about the tax reform, have you changed your mind 00:19:53.305 --> 00:19:59.280 about a just property tax? Thank you. 00:20:01.865 --> 00:20:04.032 You're the Prime Minister. 00:20:05.675 --> 00:20:08.706 It's always nice when you ask us about things 00:20:08.826 --> 00:20:10.874 that we haven't talked about. 00:20:10.994 --> 00:20:14.299 We're happy to tell you what we have talked about, 00:20:14.419 --> 00:20:18.807 but what you're asking about is a matter for the next few months, 00:20:18.927 --> 00:20:23.427 and when we have taken decisions, we will let you know. 00:20:26.307 --> 00:20:28.289 But just to illustrate, 00:20:29.921 --> 00:20:32.171 none of these topics that you've mentioned, 00:20:32.291 --> 00:20:34.857 including the issue of defence expenditure, 00:20:34.977 --> 00:20:37.188 is something that will resolve itself. 00:20:37.308 --> 00:20:40.413 We will have to deal with them thoroughly, 00:20:40.533 --> 00:20:42.950 but that's for another time. 00:20:43.071 --> 00:20:47.243 Are there any other question? -Yes, Nastja Stopar, TV Slovenia. 00:20:47.363 --> 00:20:51.761 Given that you have set your objectives today, 00:20:51.882 --> 00:20:54.404 I would like to know about the property tax. 00:20:54.524 --> 00:20:58.305 Is this matter finished for this term? 00:20:58.701 --> 00:21:04.947 And perhaps a question for Ministers Han and Vrečko. 00:21:05.068 --> 00:21:08.291 Why did you not raise this subject today? 00:21:08.411 --> 00:21:13.495 Have you not made any proposals at all on defence expenditure? 00:21:16.300 --> 00:21:22.106 Let me start with the last question. We are all aware of the situation, 00:21:22.226 --> 00:21:25.359 but today there were these three topics, 00:21:25.479 --> 00:21:27.989 which are also very important, 00:21:28.110 --> 00:21:32.119 which concern every citizen. 00:21:32.658 --> 00:21:37.173 On defence talks. Of course, we will have to talk about that, 00:21:37.293 --> 00:21:40.035 because Europe will also have to talk about that. 00:21:40.155 --> 00:21:44.484 There is no need, because there is no budget rebalance being adopted, 00:21:44.604 --> 00:21:48.381 to talk about it now. But we're aware of the gravity of the situation. 00:21:48.501 --> 00:21:50.918 As far as tax legislation is concerned, 00:21:51.038 --> 00:21:54.646 as far as I am aware, over 500 comments have come in. 00:21:54.766 --> 00:21:57.285 We're now waiting to see what new starting points 00:21:57.405 --> 00:22:00.740 the Ministry of Finance will give. But we are realists, 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:03.015 elections are just a year away. Thank you. 00:22:03.135 --> 00:22:07.260 Your colleague has already asked your first question, 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:10.414 and the Prime Minister said we would inform you 00:22:10.534 --> 00:22:13.184 in due time, this was not discussed today. 00:22:13.304 --> 00:22:17.398 Any more questions? -Petra. -Go ahead. 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:21.311 As far as long-term care is concerned, 00:22:21.432 --> 00:22:24.448 it's already under way, 00:22:24.569 --> 00:22:28.912 it's just that the contribution will start to be collected in July, 00:22:29.032 --> 00:22:32.389 and the rights will come into force gradually. 00:22:32.509 --> 00:22:36.752 Part of long-term care is already being implemented, 00:22:36.872 --> 00:22:44.540 this has already been covered in previous acts. 00:22:44.661 --> 00:22:48.066 We will, of course, also be presenting 00:22:48.187 --> 00:22:53.042 everything that is happening before the summer. 00:22:53.163 --> 00:22:56.837 The citizens, who are making the submissions, 00:22:56.958 --> 00:22:59.826 know very well anyway that they are being dealt with, 00:22:59.946 --> 00:23:01.999 and that the matter is ongoing. 00:23:02.119 --> 00:23:05.550 As far as defence is concerned, I think we have said it all. 00:23:05.670 --> 00:23:09.811 For us, the first matter of security is the welfare state, 00:23:09.931 --> 00:23:12.677 and the important things that are happening 00:23:12.797 --> 00:23:18.646 are also affecting Slovenia. Many steps have been taken. 00:23:18.767 --> 00:23:21.599 I think it is also important what we have done, 00:23:21.719 --> 00:23:23.378 after all, with Palestine, 00:23:23.498 --> 00:23:28.018 when Slovenia became one of the voices of reason. 00:23:28.139 --> 00:23:32.295 And we have done that here, too, through the kind of talks 00:23:32.415 --> 00:23:35.372 that we're all having together in the Government, 00:23:35.492 --> 00:23:40.159 among the coalition partners and with the MPs. Thank you. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:43.767 Next question. -Domen Anderle, STA. 00:23:43.888 --> 00:23:47.270 I would like to know if all of the coalition partners 00:23:47.390 --> 00:23:50.753 are happy with and stand firmly behind the Health Services Act. 00:23:50.873 --> 00:23:54.097 Is there any prospect of a further amendment 00:23:54.217 --> 00:23:56.791 before the session of the National Assembly? 00:23:56.911 --> 00:23:59.858 What might follow before the end of term? 00:23:59.978 --> 00:24:03.600 Are there any other major changes in healthcare 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:05.987 and in what direction will they go? 00:24:06.107 --> 00:24:10.337 And the topical issue, which has been dragging on for some time. 00:24:10.457 --> 00:24:14.089 Urgent care centres and emergency ambulance services 00:24:14.209 --> 00:24:18.372 are suffering from an overload of work and understaffing. 00:24:18.492 --> 00:24:20.805 Have you perhaps spoken about this as well? 00:24:20.925 --> 00:24:26.508 Can the employees in these very critical areas of the health service 00:24:26.628 --> 00:24:28.628 hope for some solutions? 00:24:32.626 --> 00:24:37.460 First of all, with regard to the emergency medical centres. 00:24:37.620 --> 00:24:41.041 In this term, we have made it considerably easier 00:24:41.161 --> 00:24:45.081 to recruit medical staff from abroad. 00:24:45.202 --> 00:24:49.675 I believe this is one of the ways in which we will also be able 00:24:49.795 --> 00:24:53.969 to help relieve the staff shortage in the future. 00:24:54.456 --> 00:24:56.865 For more information, as the plan is complex 00:24:56.985 --> 00:25:00.201 and the Minister is much better at presenting it than I am, 00:25:00.321 --> 00:25:03.196 I would advise you to speak directly to the Ministry, 00:25:03.316 --> 00:25:08.816 which will also give you specific explanations with specific steps. 00:25:10.218 --> 00:25:12.605 Concerning the Health Services Act, 00:25:12.725 --> 00:25:16.005 it received unanimous support today. 00:25:17.167 --> 00:25:20.505 It's always possible to improve things with amendments, 00:25:20.625 --> 00:25:23.345 but we don't intend to change it in any way. 00:25:23.465 --> 00:25:27.451 It's one thing if something is submitted with a view to improvement, 00:25:27.571 --> 00:25:31.821 but certainly not with a view to changing direction. 00:25:32.493 --> 00:25:37.696 New acts in this area and especially new implementing regulation 00:25:37.816 --> 00:25:39.900 are still in the pipeline. 00:25:40.020 --> 00:25:43.178 As I said, last year alone, there were 40, 00:25:43.298 --> 00:25:45.677 and this year there will not be much fewer. 00:25:45.797 --> 00:25:48.439 There is no point in listing them all now. 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:52.775 But this area will be active until the end of term. 00:25:53.129 --> 00:25:59.399 There will be a huge amount of small, but very important changes. 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:02.908 You can get the specific plan at the Ministry, 00:26:03.028 --> 00:26:06.352 where they also have timelines and know which act comes first. 00:26:06.472 --> 00:26:09.803 We're at a stage where we have to keep an eye on the order 00:26:09.923 --> 00:26:13.703 in which the acts are submitted, so that one doesn't block another, 00:26:13.823 --> 00:26:16.158 which has a higher priority. 00:26:17.416 --> 00:26:19.096 One last question. 00:26:19.736 --> 00:26:25.979 Is the Health Services Act the main health reform act? 00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:28.115 Given that the Prime Minister has said 00:26:28.235 --> 00:26:30.843 this reform will be completed by the end of term. 00:26:30.963 --> 00:26:34.102 You said you needed two terms to complete the reforms. 00:26:34.222 --> 00:26:38.498 Has that changed now? Will you speed it up? 00:26:38.807 --> 00:26:41.980 Will you address the problem at primary level, 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:45.030 where there are 150,000 people without a doctor? 00:26:45.150 --> 00:26:48.294 Mr. Han, I'm interested in your comment 00:26:48.414 --> 00:26:51.989 on the administrative dispute regarding the Spirit tender 00:26:52.109 --> 00:26:56.848 that Mr. Von Horvath has brought. 00:26:59.308 --> 00:27:04.392 Thank you very much. To answer the second question, 00:27:04.513 --> 00:27:07.327 everyone in this country governed by the rule of law 00:27:07.447 --> 00:27:10.091 has the possibility of an administrative dispute, 00:27:10.211 --> 00:27:11.920 including Mr. Von Horvath. 00:27:12.040 --> 00:27:15.754 I hope you will not make any connection with us now. 00:27:15.874 --> 00:27:19.625 Prime Minister, about the Health Services Act. 00:27:21.483 --> 00:27:24.404 I always like to point out that when we took office, 00:27:24.524 --> 00:27:28.528 we said that we would set out a programme 00:27:28.649 --> 00:27:30.951 that would take two terms. 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:35.703 No government usually does this because it's afraid 00:27:35.823 --> 00:27:38.986 of taking such bold steps. That's why, in the last 30 years, 00:27:39.106 --> 00:27:43.456 no one has really undertook reforms, least of all in healthcare. 00:27:43.576 --> 00:27:47.301 About the health reform ... Yes, the key and central act 00:27:47.421 --> 00:27:52.061 that I believe will mean the first decisive step 00:27:52.182 --> 00:27:55.519 towards ending moral hazard in healthcare 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:58.640 is precisely the Health Services Act. 00:27:59.048 --> 00:28:03.265 That's why it is crucial and the reform is based on it. 00:28:03.385 --> 00:28:07.090 That doesn't mean it's the only one that has been implemented. 00:28:07.210 --> 00:28:09.890 The Health Care Quality Assurance Act preceded it, 00:28:10.010 --> 00:28:14.260 and many other acts and regulations will succeed it. 00:28:15.028 --> 00:28:19.295 You are asking me specifically about people without a doctor. 00:28:19.415 --> 00:28:22.205 This issue is also already being addressed. 00:28:22.325 --> 00:28:24.726 After all, there are clinics for these people, 00:28:24.846 --> 00:28:27.293 where they have access to a doctor, 00:28:27.413 --> 00:28:29.996 they just don't want to choose a personal doctor. 00:28:30.116 --> 00:28:34.030 There is a distinction, don't say they don't have a doctor. 00:28:34.150 --> 00:28:36.456 They don't want to choose one. 00:28:36.576 --> 00:28:40.486 There are changes coming in this area in the future. 00:28:40.606 --> 00:28:44.785 So, no, the health reform that we have presented 00:28:44.906 --> 00:28:48.640 will be completed by the end of this year. 00:28:49.587 --> 00:28:51.703 It will then be followed by regulations, 00:28:51.823 --> 00:28:53.460 which will have to make sure 00:28:53.580 --> 00:28:58.069 it's also implemented in an appropriate way 00:28:58.190 --> 00:29:01.494 that puts the rights of the patient first. 00:29:01.614 --> 00:29:06.014 The work doesn't end tomorrow or in a month's time, 00:29:06.135 --> 00:29:07.885 but it will continue. 00:29:08.146 --> 00:29:11.896 This is probably even more logical and understandable 00:29:12.016 --> 00:29:14.592 in the area of housing policy. 00:29:14.803 --> 00:29:19.816 We are beginning construction this term. 00:29:19.963 --> 00:29:22.510 Of course, after a year or two of construction, 00:29:22.630 --> 00:29:25.078 the housing will be completed in the next term. 00:29:25.198 --> 00:29:30.215 If we were to look only through the optics of likeability in a term, 00:29:30.335 --> 00:29:34.577 none of the areas we have discussed today would even be touched upon. 00:29:34.697 --> 00:29:39.030 Žana Vertačnik, one last question. -I will merge two into one. 00:29:39.150 --> 00:29:42.088 Mr. Han, I would like to ask you for a further comment 00:29:42.208 --> 00:29:46.703 on Mr. Horvath, who is pointing the finger specifically at you, 00:29:46.823 --> 00:29:50.205 that you revoked the tender because of political pressure, 00:29:50.325 --> 00:29:53.771 and that the whole affair is about the political manipulation 00:29:53.891 --> 00:29:55.496 of job destruction. 00:29:55.616 --> 00:29:58.989 Then I have a question for all three of you. 00:29:59.109 --> 00:30:03.201 It seems that we are heading for another referendum 00:30:03.321 --> 00:30:07.988 on pension supplements for top artists. 00:30:08.109 --> 00:30:12.511 Will all three parties be involved in the campaign, 00:30:12.632 --> 00:30:16.814 and what do you hope will come out of this? 00:30:16.935 --> 00:30:19.919 Thank you. -Thank you for the first question. 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:23.916 I really don't know what to do anymore as a minister. 00:30:24.036 --> 00:30:27.386 If I revoke a tender without any pressure, 00:30:27.506 --> 00:30:31.960 because I don't think that the matter is transparent, 00:30:32.662 --> 00:30:36.397 then I don't know. Of course, everybody has the possibility, 00:30:36.517 --> 00:30:41.625 Mr. Von Horvath is not the only one who has recourse to legal remedies, 00:30:41.745 --> 00:30:47.220 there are 24 or 25 companies with revoked decisions, 00:30:47.341 --> 00:30:50.995 so it's difficult for me to comment. 00:30:52.435 --> 00:30:56.188 What was the second question? -The referendum. 00:30:56.309 --> 00:31:01.821 We haven't talked about it yet, because we are still waiting 00:31:01.942 --> 00:31:06.307 for the SDS to collect the signatures. 00:31:07.069 --> 00:31:08.669 Minister. 00:31:10.222 --> 00:31:13.837 Yes, first of all, of course, 00:31:13.958 --> 00:31:18.902 the Left Party will absolutely get involved in the referendum campaign. 00:31:19.022 --> 00:31:21.492 I expect the other two parties to do so too, 00:31:21.612 --> 00:31:27.809 because this is an opportunity to make a statement on this subject. 00:31:28.053 --> 00:31:31.393 What do I expect from this referendum? 00:31:31.514 --> 00:31:34.997 To be quite honest and frank, 00:31:35.215 --> 00:31:40.353 I expect a lot of lies, manipulation, foisting, insults, 00:31:40.474 --> 00:31:46.778 discrediting of artists, culture, manipulation of data 00:31:46.899 --> 00:31:49.566 and, of course, emotional blackmail, 00:31:49.686 --> 00:31:53.429 and political point-scoring on the account of pensioners 00:31:53.549 --> 00:31:56.881 by the largest opposition party, the SDS. 00:31:57.001 --> 00:31:59.896 This is what they do before every election. 00:32:00.016 --> 00:32:04.718 This time, they have chosen culture to wage their cultural struggle 00:32:04.838 --> 00:32:10.590 and election campaign on a modest little act, 00:32:10.711 --> 00:32:14.666 which has no great consequences of this or that kind, 00:32:14.786 --> 00:32:18.712 which they have been enforcing themselves, 00:32:18.833 --> 00:32:23.597 until now it hasn't bothered anyone, but now it bothers all of them. 00:32:23.717 --> 00:32:27.495 I expect nothing nice. I think this could have been avoided, 00:32:27.615 --> 00:32:30.936 and, above all, we could have avoided spending 6.6 million 00:32:31.056 --> 00:32:35.223 of taxpayers' money on it. Thank you. 00:32:35.702 --> 00:32:37.382 Prime Minister. 00:32:38.495 --> 00:32:44.219 The Freedom Movement shares the view just presented by Minister Vrečko, 00:32:44.339 --> 00:32:46.218 and we will, of course, 00:32:46.338 --> 00:32:49.094 reject all the arguments of the opposition, 00:32:49.214 --> 00:32:53.050 which is in fact trying to manipulate people 00:32:53.231 --> 00:32:59.524 into supporting their plans 00:32:59.645 --> 00:33:02.480 of impoverishing Slovenian culture. 00:33:03.708 --> 00:33:08.400 I would not add much more, because we have seen from day one, 00:33:08.520 --> 00:33:12.612 literally from day one of this government's term, 00:33:12.733 --> 00:33:16.895 that the opposition is simply using every possible manoeuvre 00:33:17.015 --> 00:33:21.932 for one purpose. To delay the implementation of the reforms. 00:33:22.850 --> 00:33:26.247 They have been submitting acts that they know will not be adopted. 00:33:26.367 --> 00:33:31.034 They have been launching referendums that they can't win. 00:33:31.275 --> 00:33:35.111 They are doing everything with the sole purpose of delaying 00:33:35.231 --> 00:33:36.882 the work of the coalition, 00:33:37.002 --> 00:33:41.419 without any realistic chance of implementing anything. 00:33:41.970 --> 00:33:44.792 They are afraid of our reforms, 00:33:44.913 --> 00:33:52.725 because we are changing our society for the better in the long term. 00:33:53.268 --> 00:33:56.601 It is those individuals who have benefited 00:33:56.721 --> 00:34:02.503 from the current state of disarray over the last 20 years 00:34:02.862 --> 00:34:05.447 who are driving this opposition. 00:34:05.994 --> 00:34:08.883 Thank you very much, that concludes the press conference. 00:34:09.003 --> 00:34:12.344 Thank you to all the speakers and representatives of the media. 00:34:12.464 --> 00:34:14.144 Goodbye. -Thank you.