WEBVTT 00:00:05.813 --> 00:00:08.836 Welcome to the press conference in the wake 00:00:08.963 --> 00:00:13.396 of the 176th government meeting. The first to present the decision 00:00:13.563 --> 00:00:17.743 made today is Justice Minister Andreja Katič. 00:00:17.890 --> 00:00:21.416 Hello to everyone on my behalf. 00:00:21.536 --> 00:00:24.416 At today's meeting, the government approved 00:00:24.570 --> 00:00:28.403 the Bill on the Protection From Strategic Lawsuits 00:00:28.524 --> 00:00:31.683 Against Public Participation. 00:00:31.837 --> 00:00:38.110 We're talking about SLAPP lawsuits, so we could call our bill 00:00:38.270 --> 00:00:41.203 an anti-SLAPP bill. 00:00:41.330 --> 00:00:44.676 This practice made its way to Europe from the U.S. 00:00:44.790 --> 00:00:48.323 and the EU has responded. Our bill is based 00:00:48.457 --> 00:00:52.276 on the European Directive to Protect Persons Who Engage 00:00:52.397 --> 00:00:57.023 in Public Participation from Frivolous Lawsuits 00:00:57.176 --> 00:00:59.875 or Judicial Abuses. 00:01:00.016 --> 00:01:03.596 The directive went into effect on April 11, 2024, 00:01:03.783 --> 00:01:07.389 and needs to be integrated into our legal order 00:01:07.510 --> 00:01:09.150 by May 7, 2026. 00:01:09.271 --> 00:01:13.877 These lawsuits aren't filed to make use of legal rights. 00:01:13.998 --> 00:01:18.723 They're filed to intimidate, to limit the freedom of expression, 00:01:18.863 --> 00:01:21.876 and to prevent or restrict critical debate, 00:01:22.010 --> 00:01:24.976 which in turn weakens democracy. 00:01:25.097 --> 00:01:29.576 Demands for high legal damages, filings of multiple cases, 00:01:29.723 --> 00:01:33.796 questionable legal tactics, and other strategies 00:01:33.917 --> 00:01:38.577 are used to influence the defendant in a way to prevent 00:01:38.710 --> 00:01:41.969 public participation through media reports 00:01:42.090 --> 00:01:45.990 about the plaintiff's actions, the publication of research 00:01:46.137 --> 00:01:49.536 findings, the organization of protests, and so on. 00:01:49.663 --> 00:01:53.529 For the defendant, SLAPP cases represent a large burden 00:01:53.650 --> 00:01:58.063 in terms of finances and time, but they also affect other persons, 00:01:58.223 --> 00:02:02.869 who might become afraid of finding themselves in a similar situation, 00:02:03.003 --> 00:02:06.943 and thereby contribute to self-censorship due to fear, 00:02:07.064 --> 00:02:11.683 which results in a weakened public debate 00:02:11.804 --> 00:02:14.245 and harms society as a whole. 00:02:14.366 --> 00:02:17.943 These are tactics of restraint and intimidation 00:02:18.077 --> 00:02:21.757 under the guise of legal proceedings. 00:02:21.897 --> 00:02:26.223 Such cases are considered abusive. 00:02:26.350 --> 00:02:30.290 The lawsuits are usually directed at you, journalists, 00:02:30.463 --> 00:02:33.376 the media, NGOs, and whistleblowers, 00:02:33.563 --> 00:02:37.856 but these are not the only targets. The suits can also be aimed 00:02:37.977 --> 00:02:41.189 at artists, scientists, academics, labor unions, 00:02:41.370 --> 00:02:43.529 or other entities and persons. 00:02:43.650 --> 00:02:47.056 The procedures will be available in all such cases, 00:02:47.237 --> 00:02:51.283 specifically in case of lawsuits filed in Slovenian courts 00:02:51.443 --> 00:02:54.876 by plaintiffs from any EU member or a third country, 00:02:55.063 --> 00:02:59.321 as well as in purely domestic cases, where both the defendant 00:02:59.442 --> 00:03:03.649 and the plaintiff are from Slovenia. The purpose of the law 00:03:03.770 --> 00:03:07.923 is the protection and strengthening of the right to expression 00:03:08.044 --> 00:03:11.970 and information, art, science, and assembly in matters 00:03:12.091 --> 00:03:13.916 of public interest. 00:03:14.057 --> 00:03:17.476 These matters affect the public to such an extent 00:03:17.617 --> 00:03:21.329 that they represent the public's legitimate interest, 00:03:21.503 --> 00:03:24.683 in areas such as basic rights, the environment, 00:03:24.850 --> 00:03:28.196 allegations of corruption, fraud, and so on. 00:03:28.297 --> 00:03:31.843 The bill includes protective measures that the courts 00:03:31.964 --> 00:03:35.109 could carry out at the request of the defendant. 00:03:35.277 --> 00:03:38.883 The claimant will be able to request that the court 00:03:39.023 --> 00:03:41.843 asks the plaintiff to pay a bond in case 00:03:41.990 --> 00:03:44.363 a frivolous lawsuit is proven. 00:03:44.483 --> 00:03:47.916 A specified group of people will be able to provide 00:03:48.037 --> 00:03:50.683 support and assistance to the claimant. 00:03:50.857 --> 00:03:54.523 The court cases will proceed quickly and will include 00:03:54.670 --> 00:03:57.895 the possibility of an early dismissal of a case. 00:03:58.016 --> 00:04:02.243 An unsuccessful or insignificantly successful plaintiff 00:04:02.390 --> 00:04:06.523 will be required to pay back all court costs to the claimant, 00:04:06.670 --> 00:04:09.063 including all attorney fees. 00:04:09.197 --> 00:04:13.889 As for any loss caused by the frivolous lawsuit, 00:04:14.030 --> 00:04:17.696 the claimant will be eligible for legal damages 00:04:17.823 --> 00:04:21.530 if the loss exceeds the costs set by this law. 00:04:21.663 --> 00:04:25.909 The plaintiff, the plaintiff's attorney, and any representative 00:04:26.030 --> 00:04:28.590 may face a fine imposed by the court, 00:04:28.737 --> 00:04:33.050 which will also inform the Slovenian Bar Association of the fine. 00:04:33.190 --> 00:04:36.856 The bill calls for the establishment of a contact point, 00:04:36.997 --> 00:04:41.076 in the form of the Justice Ministry, which will ensure access 00:04:41.250 --> 00:04:45.069 to information about procedural guarantees, legal means, 00:04:45.190 --> 00:04:48.976 and support measures. It will publish court decisions 00:04:49.117 --> 00:04:52.009 granting protective measures under this law 00:04:52.130 --> 00:04:56.729 and inform the European Commission. The bill also contains safeguards 00:04:56.883 --> 00:04:59.803 against decisions from non-EU countries 00:04:59.943 --> 00:05:04.016 that could be the result of such lawsuits or frivolous cases, 00:05:04.170 --> 00:05:06.769 meaning that our courts won't recognize 00:05:06.890 --> 00:05:11.515 or carry out such court decisions. Persons and entities from Slovenia 00:05:11.636 --> 00:05:14.708 will be able request compensation for any loss 00:05:14.829 --> 00:05:17.896 incurred during such cases in third countries. 00:05:18.003 --> 00:05:21.243 The bill has been coordinated with professionals 00:05:21.364 --> 00:05:25.423 and affected people, which is detailed in the bill. 00:05:25.573 --> 00:05:29.036 This morning I was told that there was a discussion 00:05:29.157 --> 00:05:32.956 about SLAPP cases and anti-SLAPP legislation 00:05:33.077 --> 00:05:36.429 at the recent Lawyers' Days event in Portorož. 00:05:36.570 --> 00:05:40.829 Different laws were compared and the one we approved today 00:05:40.977 --> 00:05:45.084 was singled out as an example of a good law. 00:05:45.217 --> 00:05:48.516 Thank you, Minister. Questions from the media. 00:05:48.637 --> 00:05:52.089 Lara Draškovič, STA. The bill has undergone 00:05:52.210 --> 00:05:56.369 two public debates. How did you ultimately come together 00:05:56.490 --> 00:05:59.763 regarding the level of the fine? 00:05:59.917 --> 00:06:04.857 We know there have been changes in this regard. 00:06:04.990 --> 00:06:11.049 In order to give you the precise details about the fines... 00:06:11.170 --> 00:06:15.083 And the range between the lowest... -In SLAPP cases, 00:06:15.204 --> 00:06:19.096 the court can issue a fine to the plaintiff, its attorney, 00:06:19.270 --> 00:06:24.689 and its representative in the amount of 10% of disputed item's value, 00:06:24.830 --> 00:06:29.096 but not less than €3000 and nor more than €10,000. 00:06:29.370 --> 00:06:34.383 Did you ultimately decide that this only applies 00:06:34.530 --> 00:06:37.656 to civil suits and why? 00:06:37.790 --> 00:06:41.829 Yes, we've decided to limit it to civil cases 00:06:42.069 --> 00:06:48.523 because if we wanted to make changes to criminal proceedings, 00:06:48.630 --> 00:06:52.423 we'd have to overhaul the legislation, and I doubt 00:06:52.590 --> 00:06:56.803 we could've completed that within a reasonable time frame, 00:06:56.950 --> 00:07:01.456 but mostly because the existing system 00:07:01.603 --> 00:07:06.436 as defined by criminal legislation already allows for the prior 00:07:06.557 --> 00:07:09.643 judgments of private prosecutions, a process 00:07:09.764 --> 00:07:13.669 that is substantially similar to the anti-SLAPP mechanism 00:07:13.817 --> 00:07:16.503 in the EU directive and our bill. 00:07:17.610 --> 00:07:21.228 Žana Vertačnik, POP TV. I'd like to hear your comments 00:07:21.349 --> 00:07:24.796 on two other current issues. We know the findings 00:07:24.957 --> 00:07:28.663 of Austria's Interior Ministry regarding the July raid 00:07:28.797 --> 00:07:31.643 on the Peršman Homestead in Carinthia. 00:07:31.783 --> 00:07:35.516 What is your view of the special commission's finding 00:07:35.637 --> 00:07:39.396 that the raid was illegal and disproportionate. 00:07:39.577 --> 00:07:43.529 Do you expect anything else from the Austrian authorities? 00:07:43.663 --> 00:07:48.003 Also, do you think that Constitutional Court Justice Accetto 00:07:48.143 --> 00:07:51.683 should resign because of the published transcript 00:07:51.823 --> 00:07:55.583 of his conversation with Commissioner Jourová? 00:07:55.723 --> 00:08:00.296 Thank you. I'll start with Peršman. Today, we were informed 00:08:00.417 --> 00:08:04.097 by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs 00:08:04.218 --> 00:08:07.096 about what happened there in greater detail. 00:08:07.243 --> 00:08:11.609 We welcome the Austrian authorities' serious approach 00:08:11.730 --> 00:08:15.815 to an event that was unacceptable to us, and to me personally, 00:08:15.936 --> 00:08:20.549 and that we received the findings so quickly. 00:08:20.670 --> 00:08:23.449 I welcome the findings, but in addition 00:08:23.590 --> 00:08:27.016 to just finding out what happened there, 00:08:27.190 --> 00:08:31.076 I understand the Austrian police is required to undergo 00:08:31.210 --> 00:08:35.536 further training and visit the Peršman Homestead many times, 00:08:35.657 --> 00:08:38.763 and that the funding of this historic building 00:08:38.903 --> 00:08:44.423 that is so important for Slovenians will become regular in the future. 00:08:44.557 --> 00:08:49.229 Next week, I'm meeting Austria's Justice Minister. 00:08:49.337 --> 00:08:52.323 We briefly talked about this at the sidelines 00:08:52.444 --> 00:08:55.836 of the Luxembourg Summit, so I trust she'll be able 00:08:55.957 --> 00:08:59.870 to inform me about this case in detail. -And about Accetto? 00:09:00.030 --> 00:09:03.969 Regarding Accetto, my knowledge of the case comes 00:09:04.110 --> 00:09:07.934 from media reports, namely that these are transcripts 00:09:08.055 --> 00:09:11.429 from the Commission that have now been made public. 00:09:11.550 --> 00:09:14.395 The relevant part for me is their admission 00:09:14.516 --> 00:09:17.689 that they talked to each other. Based on that, 00:09:17.857 --> 00:09:21.363 I feel that Accetto doesn't need to follow the course 00:09:21.483 --> 00:09:23.629 of action suggested by some. 00:09:25.136 --> 00:09:28.169 Thank you. If there are no further questions, 00:09:28.323 --> 00:09:30.803 I thank the minister for joining us. 00:09:30.997 --> 00:09:35.036 Joining is now is the Minister for a Solidarity-Based Future, 00:09:35.183 --> 00:09:38.629 Simon Maljevac, who will present the second decision 00:09:38.750 --> 00:09:44.850 from today's government meeting. Hello, Minister. Please proceed. 00:09:45.010 --> 00:09:47.670 The floor is yours. 00:09:47.870 --> 00:09:52.763 Hello on my behalf. At today's government meeting, 00:09:52.897 --> 00:09:56.349 we approved the special bill on the optimization 00:09:56.483 --> 00:09:59.176 of processes at centers for social work 00:09:59.323 --> 00:10:04.336 and nursing homes within the new system of long-term care. 00:10:04.463 --> 00:10:08.843 This is special legislation that addresses the issue 00:10:08.964 --> 00:10:14.081 of how to efficiently prepare the residents of nursing 00:10:14.202 --> 00:10:17.468 homes for the new system of long-term care. 00:10:17.589 --> 00:10:21.749 At the same time, it addresses the issue of guardianships. 00:10:21.903 --> 00:10:25.703 Quite a few people in nursing homes are unable 00:10:25.843 --> 00:10:31.369 to give assent for their transfer into the long-term care system. 00:10:31.510 --> 00:10:36.616 This bill will enable them to enter the system. 00:10:36.777 --> 00:10:43.083 It's in everyone's interest for this transfer to occur. 00:10:43.230 --> 00:10:49.916 For residents, this means lower nursing home bills. 00:10:50.037 --> 00:10:53.729 Under the existing system, residents are paying 00:10:53.850 --> 00:10:56.536 for both care and accommodation. 00:10:56.683 --> 00:11:00.783 Under the new long-term care law, when they are transferred 00:11:00.904 --> 00:11:05.169 into the system starting on December 1, they will only be billed 00:11:05.330 --> 00:11:10.996 for accommodation that will be the same regardless of the needed 00:11:11.117 --> 00:11:14.976 level of care. I may need just a few hours a day, 00:11:15.097 --> 00:11:19.529 a month, or a lot more, but I'll pay the same 00:11:19.663 --> 00:11:23.436 because I'll only pay for accommodation. 00:11:23.557 --> 00:11:27.519 The bill was drafted under the auspices of the Working Group 00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:31.226 for Transfers, which we set up several weeks ago 00:11:31.370 --> 00:11:34.843 partly on the basis of a special consultation 00:11:34.970 --> 00:11:40.163 with the Prime Minister. Several questions were raised there 00:11:40.277 --> 00:11:43.569 regarding the transfer and related initiatives, 00:11:43.737 --> 00:11:48.003 so we decided to upgrade the process 00:11:48.137 --> 00:11:52.642 and simplify it by putting people first 00:11:52.763 --> 00:11:56.169 and ensuring the process is as simple as possible 00:11:56.290 --> 00:11:59.996 for those already in nursing homes. 00:12:00.110 --> 00:12:03.889 We're tweaking the system in the implementation phase 00:12:04.010 --> 00:12:06.723 and simplifying bureaucratic processes 00:12:06.863 --> 00:12:10.516 to ensure that people receive efficient care 00:12:10.657 --> 00:12:14.743 as soon as possible. The key proposed changes 00:12:14.877 --> 00:12:18.709 concern guardianship, as I've mentioned. 00:12:18.843 --> 00:12:21.649 Quite a few people in nursing homes 00:12:21.783 --> 00:12:24.868 can't give their assent and don't have official 00:12:24.989 --> 00:12:27.809 legal guardianship, which they should have. 00:12:27.970 --> 00:12:31.356 This bill resolves that, so they'll be transferred 00:12:31.477 --> 00:12:35.249 into the system on December 1, along with everyone else. 00:12:35.403 --> 00:12:38.383 We're also simplifying the procedures 00:12:38.504 --> 00:12:42.570 for the transfer of existing residents of nursing homes 00:12:42.737 --> 00:12:44.716 and long-term care patients. 00:12:44.903 --> 00:12:50.903 An important issue that arose over the past few months 00:12:51.077 --> 00:12:55.449 is E-Care for those above the age of 80. 00:12:55.623 --> 00:12:59.129 Until now, this required a doctor's opinion, 00:12:59.310 --> 00:13:02.856 which sometimes posed a problem in the field. 00:13:03.036 --> 00:13:06.956 In some cases, doctors even charged for this opinion. 00:13:07.083 --> 00:13:12.303 This special bills eliminates the need for a doctor's opinion 00:13:12.430 --> 00:13:15.516 for those over 80. Anyone over 80 00:13:15.690 --> 00:13:19.056 who submits a request will be able to receive 00:13:19.183 --> 00:13:22.996 long-term care through E-Care. 00:13:23.123 --> 00:13:26.036 We're also extending the deadline for those 00:13:26.210 --> 00:13:29.676 already included in remote E-Care projects to ensure 00:13:29.797 --> 00:13:33.436 their timely transfer. In certain areas, we're dealing 00:13:33.583 --> 00:13:37.880 with technical adjustments, but this is mostly about simplifying 00:13:38.002 --> 00:13:42.009 bureaucratic processes during the entry of new users 00:13:42.150 --> 00:13:47.002 and existing users into the cheaper long-term care system. 00:13:47.123 --> 00:13:52.203 In addition to all the information, estimates, and cheaper services, 00:13:52.350 --> 00:13:56.283 I'd like to emphasize an important fact for users: 00:13:56.423 --> 00:14:00.923 Preliminary and estimated prices of long-term care homes 00:14:01.090 --> 00:14:04.923 have been published on the website of the Ministry 00:14:05.063 --> 00:14:09.063 for a Solidarity-Based Future, so you can view them there. 00:14:09.203 --> 00:14:14.609 We've also set up a calculator that enables everyone 00:14:14.750 --> 00:14:19.263 to get an estimate of the price they'll pay under the new system. 00:14:19.384 --> 00:14:24.336 The 114 call center will remain available with advisors 00:14:24.470 --> 00:14:29.423 ready to help people fill in the calculator 00:14:29.596 --> 00:14:35.316 or provide other information related to long-term care. 00:14:35.723 --> 00:14:38.356 Thank you. Questions from the media. 00:14:38.583 --> 00:14:42.116 Žana Vertačnik, POP TV. Could you explain as clearly 00:14:42.303 --> 00:14:46.069 as possible what nursing home residents will need 00:14:46.223 --> 00:14:50.329 with the new bill to get automatically transferred? 00:14:50.450 --> 00:14:55.056 And what will happen to those who can't give written consent? 00:14:55.183 --> 00:14:58.656 Please be specific. -I'll be very specific. 00:14:58.790 --> 00:15:02.349 I presented the process last week, 00:15:02.470 --> 00:15:06.416 so what do current residents of nursing homes need to do? 00:15:06.485 --> 00:15:11.314 First, they must sign a consent form, and second, they must sign 00:15:11.397 --> 00:15:13.932 a personal plan with the provider or care home. 00:15:14.015 --> 00:15:16.982 These are the two steps they must take. 00:15:17.065 --> 00:15:19.495 Those who are unable to give their consent 00:15:19.578 --> 00:15:21.636 will sign a personal plan 00:15:21.719 --> 00:15:25.108 and will be treated as temporarily converted 00:15:25.191 --> 00:15:29.236 until they go through the entire process of guardianship, 00:15:29.319 --> 00:15:31.926 assignment, and then subsequent decision. 00:15:32.009 --> 00:15:35.454 However, as of 1 December, they will also be converted, 00:15:35.537 --> 00:15:39.537 and in this way, they will also be taken care of. 00:15:40.428 --> 00:15:45.006 When will the information system be ready? 00:15:45.090 --> 00:15:48.598 Are the information or reports on public radio true, 00:15:48.681 --> 00:15:52.227 is a new call for tenders being prepared? -No. 00:15:52.310 --> 00:15:54.510 The information system is being prepared. 00:15:54.593 --> 00:16:00.212 But all the conditions for issuing decisions have been established, 00:16:00.443 --> 00:16:04.328 and social work centers are issuing them at an accelerated pace. 00:16:04.411 --> 00:16:09.494 They are also using the Krpan information system to help them. 00:16:10.227 --> 00:16:13.128 Sara Dvojrak, TV Slovenia. -What is the bottleneck 00:16:13.211 --> 00:16:16.138 in the establishment of the information system? 00:16:16.221 --> 00:16:18.588 The information system is in several phases 00:16:18.671 --> 00:16:20.688 and is being established gradually. 00:16:20.771 --> 00:16:24.429 I believe that the first phase will be completed soon, 00:16:24.512 --> 00:16:28.104 then the next phases will follow. I'd like to emphasize once again 00:16:28.187 --> 00:16:29.912 that decisions are being issued. 00:16:29.995 --> 00:16:33.398 People have the rights they are entitled to, 00:16:33.481 --> 00:16:37.847 and I'm glad that the work is going well in the field. 00:16:37.930 --> 00:16:40.756 When do you expect the first phase to be completed? 00:16:40.839 --> 00:16:43.542 In June you said by the end of September. 00:16:43.625 --> 00:16:45.808 I hope it will be as soon as possible, 00:16:45.891 --> 00:16:48.330 but I don't have any specific dates. 00:16:48.413 --> 00:16:51.530 Do you know how many applications were submitted 00:16:51.613 --> 00:16:54.054 for long-term home care 00:16:54.138 --> 00:16:57.349 and how many decisions were issued with this system? 00:16:57.432 --> 00:17:01.765 There were a little over 4,000 applications in total. 00:17:01.993 --> 00:17:08.273 As for the assessments, based on data from a few days ago, 00:17:08.357 --> 00:17:10.612 over 1,600 have been completed, 00:17:10.695 --> 00:17:14.905 and over 1,400 people have already been informed of these assessments, 00:17:14.988 --> 00:17:16.989 whether they agree with them or not. 00:17:17.072 --> 00:17:22.254 More than 200 decisions have also already been issued. 00:17:25.045 --> 00:17:26.983 Lara Drašković, STA. 00:17:27.067 --> 00:17:31.695 What will happen to users of care and work centres? 00:17:31.779 --> 00:17:34.999 Will they also be included in the automatic conversion, 00:17:35.082 --> 00:17:40.366 and what will funding after 1 December mean for them? -No. 00:17:40.450 --> 00:17:45.313 Care and work centres are not included in the long-term care system 00:17:45.396 --> 00:17:47.754 and are not included in the legislation. 00:17:47.837 --> 00:17:50.092 This has been clear from day one. 00:17:50.175 --> 00:17:54.685 They remain included in the system under the Social Assistance Act, 00:17:54.768 --> 00:17:57.692 because we're talking about different services 00:17:57.775 --> 00:18:02.626 and different needs. What we have done, as you probably know, 00:18:02.709 --> 00:18:05.503 we held a press conference about it last week, 00:18:05.586 --> 00:18:09.893 is that we've adopted an amendment to the Social Assistance Act, 00:18:09.976 --> 00:18:16.474 which offers new services for people with disabilities and special needs, 00:18:16.558 --> 00:18:19.815 with a particular focus on residential groups 00:18:19.898 --> 00:18:23.648 and community services. This covers that area. 00:18:23.820 --> 00:18:25.420 If any of them 00:18:25.504 --> 00:18:29.415 would like to be included in the long-term care system, 00:18:29.498 --> 00:18:31.649 they can submit an application, 00:18:31.732 --> 00:18:36.427 but care and work centres are not included in the conversion system. 00:18:36.510 --> 00:18:41.390 What does this mean for them from a financial perspective? 00:18:41.474 --> 00:18:44.595 Will these services now be more expensive for them? 00:18:44.678 --> 00:18:47.685 Which system will they use? -They will remain the same. 00:18:47.768 --> 00:18:51.142 The services provided in care and work centres 00:18:51.225 --> 00:18:54.501 have nothing to do with the Long-Term Care Act. 00:18:54.584 --> 00:18:56.285 One is a long-term care service, 00:18:56.368 --> 00:19:01.684 the other one is defined in the Social Assistance Act 00:19:01.768 --> 00:19:05.004 and will continue to be provided as it has been so far. 00:19:05.087 --> 00:19:08.297 One more thing, namely municipalities. 00:19:08.381 --> 00:19:13.821 Have all municipalities selected a long-term care provider? 00:19:13.905 --> 00:19:16.073 How many are still without one? 00:19:16.156 --> 00:19:18.795 Could you explain how things are going? 00:19:18.878 --> 00:19:22.704 Every day, new municipalities are entered in the register. 00:19:22.787 --> 00:19:27.500 Not all of them have been entered yet. Some still have issues. 00:19:27.583 --> 00:19:31.807 We will meet with them in the coming weeks and discuss this in person. 00:19:31.890 --> 00:19:35.982 The vast majority of municipalities have already selected a provider 00:19:36.065 --> 00:19:41.221 and signed a contract for the provision of long-term care. 00:19:41.593 --> 00:19:44.696 I think that around 150 municipalities 00:19:44.783 --> 00:19:48.771 have already been entered in the register. 00:19:48.855 --> 00:19:52.481 What are the issues that you're resolving? 00:19:52.565 --> 00:19:56.912 Most of the issues relate to start-up funds 00:19:57.249 --> 00:20:00.871 and agreements between the provider and the municipality. 00:20:01.230 --> 00:20:06.207 We are looking for solutions 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:12.659 and how we could help people at this point. 00:20:12.780 --> 00:20:17.070 I want to say the price we set 00:20:17.190 --> 00:20:21.509 for the long-term care and was agreed with municipalities, 00:20:21.630 --> 00:20:26.160 includes amortization costs, 00:20:26.280 --> 00:20:32.138 for buying a car, for example. These costs are included 00:20:32.520 --> 00:20:35.622 in the hourly fee for the long-term care. 00:20:38.263 --> 00:20:42.052 First, Planet TV. -Peter Avsenik, Planet TV. 00:20:43.462 --> 00:20:46.733 You passed a new act. There were also two panels 00:20:46.854 --> 00:20:51.037 about the long-term care. We have been paying the contribution 00:20:51.158 --> 00:20:55.639 from the beginning of July. Have you been informed about the indictment 00:20:55.760 --> 00:21:00.450 against you? I also want to know 00:21:00.570 --> 00:21:04.110 if the decisions are still being handwritten. 00:21:04.230 --> 00:21:06.000 And another thing 00:21:06.745 --> 00:21:13.560 about e-care. You said 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:15.659 it is meant for people over 80. 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:19.440 Are you sure they know 00:21:19.560 --> 00:21:22.532 what e-care is and what they have to do? 00:21:22.800 --> 00:21:26.844 I haven't been informed about any indictment, 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:32.436 except from an unconfirmed blog post. 00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:36.640 From what I could gather, the contents are the same 00:21:36.761 --> 00:21:41.725 as in the interpellation. If I have really been indicted, 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:46.260 I believe it is an organized political attack 00:21:46.380 --> 00:21:49.109 on the public long-term care system. 00:21:49.230 --> 00:21:52.830 Tomorrow, there will be the interpellation and it seems 00:21:52.950 --> 00:21:56.639 they have gone to court as well. I don't see this as an attack on me, 00:21:56.760 --> 00:22:01.724 but on the public system and accessibility 00:22:01.950 --> 00:22:04.146 of the long-term care. 00:22:04.560 --> 00:22:07.685 It is a price we have to pay 00:22:08.070 --> 00:22:11.070 because we stepped on the toes of those 00:22:11.190 --> 00:22:16.806 who have been making a fortune with care. 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:19.380 Regarding the e-care, 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:24.509 we have been cooperating with the pensioners' association 00:22:24.630 --> 00:22:27.150 and I believe the right people 00:22:27.271 --> 00:22:34.530 are getting the information and if they need e-care, 00:22:34.650 --> 00:22:39.150 they will get it. We made it easier. 00:22:39.270 --> 00:22:45.120 People, older than 80, will just apply 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:48.433 at social services. They will get the e-care 00:22:48.554 --> 00:22:50.509 without being checked. 00:22:50.630 --> 00:22:54.987 Maybe tell them the decisions haven't been handwritten. 00:22:55.130 --> 00:22:59.210 I already said it. We agreed on how to issue decisions 00:22:59.330 --> 00:23:01.520 with social services. 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:04.766 They are doing it with Krpan information system. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:11.140 No one is writing the decisions manually, 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:15.710 it is being done through the information system 00:23:15.830 --> 00:23:19.343 the whole public administration is using. 00:23:19.520 --> 00:23:21.950 A lot of decisions have been issued this way, 00:23:22.070 --> 00:23:26.390 also all the decisions 00:23:26.510 --> 00:23:29.875 issued at our ministry. -Pop TV. 00:23:30.290 --> 00:23:32.133 Tomorrow, there is the interpellation. 00:23:32.254 --> 00:23:35.270 Will the coalition partners support you? 00:23:35.390 --> 00:23:38.390 What do you expect and how do you comment on criticism 00:23:38.510 --> 00:23:43.490 that you passed the intervention act 00:23:43.610 --> 00:23:45.649 a day before the interpellation 00:23:45.770 --> 00:23:50.204 and are solving the problem at the last minute? 00:23:50.450 --> 00:23:56.891 33 ministers before me could regulate this area. 00:23:57.260 --> 00:24:02.750 We have had 13 governments and 18 proposals for the act, 00:24:02.870 --> 00:24:05.809 one was passed as well. 00:24:05.930 --> 00:24:09.919 None of them actually came to life. 00:24:10.040 --> 00:24:12.800 This is a clear message for those 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:16.760 in the Parliament who filed the interpellation. 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:21.470 They had the chance of bringing the long-term care 00:24:21.590 --> 00:24:23.236 to the point we have. 00:24:23.357 --> 00:24:26.239 The long-term care is working 00:24:26.360 --> 00:24:29.666 and the same goes for housing policy. 00:24:30.530 --> 00:24:34.100 Maybe, the previous governments didn't have courage or knowledge. 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:36.049 This government has that. 00:24:36.170 --> 00:24:41.033 This has been the biggest change in social care. 00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:46.347 We weren't scared of the challenge and have been implementing measures 00:24:46.674 --> 00:24:49.170 very fast. For comparison, 00:24:49.290 --> 00:24:55.979 Germany needed ten years to build their system. 00:24:56.100 --> 00:25:01.110 I have been a minister for less than three years and we passed the act 00:25:01.227 --> 00:25:05.450 and soon it will come to life. 00:25:05.677 --> 00:25:10.083 As I've said, we are intensively working with all agents in this area. 00:25:10.323 --> 00:25:15.397 This Act has been formed with the help of institutions and DSS, 00:25:15.703 --> 00:25:19.657 PDII and HIIS. 00:25:19.836 --> 00:25:22.030 We've been working on it a long time 00:25:22.143 --> 00:25:26.223 and our main goal is that the long-term care comes to life 00:25:27.663 --> 00:25:31.270 as far as institutional care and retirement homes is concerned. 00:25:31.490 --> 00:25:35.537 We are working on it and this has nothing to do with interpellation. 00:25:35.670 --> 00:25:40.777 Tomorrow is unfortunately a day that me and my colleagues 00:25:41.070 --> 00:25:45.470 will have to spend in Parliament, when we could do a lot more. 00:25:45.723 --> 00:25:51.537 RTV Slovenija. Do your coalition partners SD and Levica support you? 00:25:51.683 --> 00:25:55.336 I don't have any information that it is not so. 00:25:56.716 --> 00:26:00.150 And about the information system. You've said that a new tender 00:26:00.296 --> 00:26:04.043 is not being prepared. Is this a possibility? 00:26:04.176 --> 00:26:06.623 Do you think about it or not at all? 00:26:06.803 --> 00:26:09.743 The information system has to work. 00:26:09.910 --> 00:26:14.723 We are working actively with the provider and I think it'll work. 00:26:15.576 --> 00:26:18.690 Just one more question which is being repeated. 00:26:18.830 --> 00:26:22.763 About the personnel. More accessible long-term care 00:26:22.963 --> 00:26:26.096 will bring more users and lower bills. 00:26:27.110 --> 00:26:30.550 What is happening here? 00:26:31.110 --> 00:26:35.270 You know that we adopted a special Act about a Personnel 00:26:35.543 --> 00:26:39.790 a year and a half ago. It contains nine measures 00:26:39.943 --> 00:26:42.383 We are also intensively working with the directors. 00:26:42.910 --> 00:26:46.817 Last week I had a press conference here with two directors. 00:26:47.063 --> 00:26:51.210 They don't have any problems with the personnel. They see it 00:26:51.463 --> 00:26:56.237 as the directors' task to make a good environment for personnel. 00:26:56.437 --> 00:27:00.930 And to include other motivation 00:27:01.157 --> 00:27:05.077 to implement the long-term care. 00:27:05.190 --> 00:27:09.090 Shortage of staff is a reality and it will be so in the future. 00:27:09.290 --> 00:27:16.050 But considering our discussions it will not affect this transition. 00:27:16.577 --> 00:27:18.890 So, there is still not enough carers? 00:27:19.143 --> 00:27:22.803 We are lacking carers, the same as in health sector, 00:27:23.017 --> 00:27:28.437 or in schools, there is a shortage of workers everywhere. 00:27:28.583 --> 00:27:31.870 This is a reality of our society and the government is facing it daily 00:27:31.990 --> 00:27:33.957 and is adopting the measures. 00:27:34.077 --> 00:27:38.610 As far as the easier process to employ foreigners is concerned 00:27:38.890 --> 00:27:42.983 I see how important the housing policy is. 00:27:43.163 --> 00:27:46.637 We are talking about staff accommodation 00:27:46.803 --> 00:27:50.630 and similar measures. It's not a problem of this government 00:27:50.810 --> 00:27:55.210 or of this year. This will stay with us for the next decades 00:27:55.443 --> 00:27:58.270 and we have to make our policy with it in mind. 00:27:58.550 --> 00:28:01.997 So, the maintenance allowance will be lower with the 1st of December 00:28:02.190 --> 00:28:07.030 for the residents. 00:28:07.897 --> 00:28:11.097 Although, in reality they will be higher. How much? For 20%? 00:28:11.243 --> 00:28:15.217 What kind of costs are included here? -Not higher. 00:28:15.343 --> 00:28:21.937 Only for those who will opt out of the long-term care system. 00:28:22.137 --> 00:28:26.447 Why? Because as a Ministry or government 00:28:26.593 --> 00:28:32.197 we are pushing the prices down for the whole tenure. 00:28:32.463 --> 00:28:36.817 How? All increases connected to the Remuneration Reform, 00:28:36.957 --> 00:28:41.310 namely all increases in wages in the retirement homes 00:28:41.403 --> 00:28:47.077 and should be financed by the residents of these homes 00:28:47.217 --> 00:28:49.863 the state is paying right now. 00:28:50.063 --> 00:28:54.283 Even all additional employments connected to the higher standards 00:28:54.437 --> 00:28:57.543 in the area of the social security are paid by the state. 00:28:57.727 --> 00:29:03.680 This year our Ministry will from the budget and from contributions 00:29:03.840 --> 00:29:06.457 appropriate more than 60 million Euros for this. 00:29:06.630 --> 00:29:10.297 This increase comes from this. 00:29:10.557 --> 00:29:16.210 These are real costs that the state is going to pay until 1st of December 00:29:16.430 --> 00:29:21.810 and then everybody has a chance to transfer to long-term care system. 00:29:21.997 --> 00:29:26.557 And they can be eligible to pay much lower maintenance allowance 00:29:26.750 --> 00:29:29.863 or just the costs of accommodation. 00:29:32.397 --> 00:29:34.563 Thank you. -There are no more questions. 00:29:34.710 --> 00:29:37.243 Thank you, everybody. Goodbye.