WEBVTT 00:00:03.227 --> 00:00:06.119 Hello and welcome to our press conference, 00:00:06.240 --> 00:00:09.900 where Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon will introduce 00:00:10.021 --> 00:00:13.605 the achievements of this government's term in office. 00:00:13.726 --> 00:00:19.580 Thank you. Today, I'll introduce our achievements 00:00:19.757 --> 00:00:23.643 from five key areas of the coalition agreement. 00:00:23.823 --> 00:00:28.049 Our key goals were to stabilize the country 00:00:28.197 --> 00:00:32.890 and carry out key systemic changes. 00:00:33.057 --> 00:00:36.970 These changes will serve as a basis for our future work, 00:00:37.130 --> 00:00:42.700 which will be bold and ambitious. Goals are important, 00:00:42.903 --> 00:00:47.300 and when we needed to make adjustments, 00:00:47.443 --> 00:00:50.629 that was just a sign of our determination 00:00:50.797 --> 00:00:56.944 to reach our goals. I'm proud that we've succeeded. 00:00:58.097 --> 00:01:03.120 I'll begin with some data about where Slovenia was in 2022 00:01:03.241 --> 00:01:07.300 and where it is today. The annual inflation rate in 2022 00:01:07.421 --> 00:01:15.223 was 10.3%, and it's 2.7% in 2025. 00:01:15.510 --> 00:01:22.520 The average net monthly wage in June 2022 was €1307. 00:01:22.641 --> 00:01:29.737 It was €1626 in November 2025. 00:01:29.883 --> 00:01:32.710 The difference is apparent. 00:01:32.837 --> 00:01:36.660 Another important data point, per capita GDP, 00:01:36.781 --> 00:01:41.563 was €26,966 in 2022. 00:01:41.703 --> 00:01:47.430 In 2025, the amount was €33,062. 00:01:47.577 --> 00:01:55.536 Sovereign debt in terms of GDP percentage was 72.8% in 2022. 00:01:55.743 --> 00:02:00.216 It fell to 67.6% in 2025. 00:02:00.330 --> 00:02:04.456 Our credit rating is also very important. 00:02:04.577 --> 00:02:09.470 It was AA-, but improved to AA in 2025. 00:02:09.590 --> 00:02:14.850 Stabilizing the state was primarily about 00:02:15.023 --> 00:02:17.216 stabilizing public finances. 00:02:17.363 --> 00:02:22.523 The previous government's term was a time of billion-euro borrowings. 00:02:22.690 --> 00:02:26.610 Only a part of this was related to anti-Covid measures. 00:02:26.763 --> 00:02:31.150 Crucially, the share of sovereign debt as a percentage of the GDP 00:02:31.357 --> 00:02:34.576 has fallen significantly. The amount of our debt 00:02:34.763 --> 00:02:38.230 relative to what we produce is lower. 00:02:38.357 --> 00:02:42.463 This means a lower interest rate. Higher credit ratings mean 00:02:42.650 --> 00:02:46.716 and even lower interest rate, and therefore more money 00:02:46.870 --> 00:02:50.150 for people, business, and infrastructure. 00:02:50.310 --> 00:02:55.976 The coalition agreement was based on five key priorities: 00:02:56.097 --> 00:02:59.496 Healthcare, Community, Intergenerational Alliance, 00:02:59.617 --> 00:03:02.163 Knowledge, and the Green Transition. 00:03:02.283 --> 00:03:06.700 We've carried out specific measures in all these fields 00:03:06.877 --> 00:03:09.863 and attained measurable results. 00:03:10.010 --> 00:03:14.380 Let's start with healthcare. Anyone claiming that he'll fix 00:03:14.530 --> 00:03:19.036 healthcare easily is either unaware of the complexity of the system 00:03:19.157 --> 00:03:21.270 or deliberately misleading. 00:03:21.403 --> 00:03:25.803 Why have previous governments not ended nor even begun this work? 00:03:25.963 --> 00:03:27.643 Because they were afraid. 00:03:27.823 --> 00:03:32.020 Healthcare is a huge, extremely complicated system. 00:03:32.157 --> 00:03:36.523 Do you know how many doctors' referrals are issued every day? 00:03:36.710 --> 00:03:42.217 More than 11,000. Every day. 00:03:42.363 --> 00:03:45.396 Such a system requires a lot of work. 00:03:45.590 --> 00:03:48.830 We've begun the work, reversed the trends, 00:03:48.970 --> 00:03:51.643 and will carry on this way. 00:03:51.803 --> 00:03:57.260 If we now undo this work, it's doubtful whether Slovenia 00:03:57.437 --> 00:04:03.810 will get another chance to save public healthcare. 00:04:03.963 --> 00:04:10.249 This was the most challenging and important reform of this term. 00:04:10.370 --> 00:04:14.876 We stabilized the public healthcare system, strengthened the public 00:04:15.017 --> 00:04:18.630 health network, and established a clearer distinction 00:04:18.751 --> 00:04:21.151 between public and private providers. 00:04:21.303 --> 00:04:28.660 We've added more than 300 doctors and dentists to the public system. 00:04:29.010 --> 00:04:32.989 These measures, including legislative changes, scholarships, 00:04:33.110 --> 00:04:37.283 and bonuses will continue to enable increases 00:04:37.404 --> 00:04:40.936 in the number of medical personnel for years to come. 00:04:41.057 --> 00:04:45.123 Healthcare investment, which was at a record level 00:04:45.277 --> 00:04:50.816 since independence, includes more than €800 million 00:04:51.030 --> 00:04:57.350 for infrastructure and more than €80 million for digitalization. 00:04:57.510 --> 00:05:01.456 Our goal is a strong public healthcare system. 00:05:01.590 --> 00:05:05.780 It's logical that the patient comes first, and digitalization 00:05:05.930 --> 00:05:10.740 will resolve all the confusion we've been hearing about, 00:05:10.897 --> 00:05:17.696 from waiting lists to reduced waiting times 00:05:17.883 --> 00:05:21.700 for specialists and other appointments, 00:05:21.863 --> 00:05:26.950 which is a hot topic every year or before very election. 00:05:27.117 --> 00:05:30.963 If we set up a transparent digital system, 00:05:31.097 --> 00:05:35.723 we'll be able to follow the realization of the measures 00:05:35.877 --> 00:05:39.503 we've adopted in healthcare. All the investments 00:05:39.723 --> 00:05:42.963 we've carried out indicate that we're serious 00:05:43.117 --> 00:05:48.963 about fixing healthcare from its foundations 00:05:49.097 --> 00:05:53.829 and placing it in first place as a public good. 00:05:54.003 --> 00:05:59.020 Moving on to Community. The key change in this area 00:05:59.141 --> 00:06:02.823 during the government's term wasn't just about numbers, 00:06:02.944 --> 00:06:07.820 but about our approach. We've strengthened the rule of law, 00:06:07.950 --> 00:06:12.283 as well as dialog with civil society and professionals. 00:06:12.404 --> 00:06:16.916 This is evidenced in the annual Rule of Law reports 00:06:17.110 --> 00:06:20.429 prepared by the European Commission. 00:06:20.590 --> 00:06:24.420 In its most recent report, from 2025, it determined 00:06:24.563 --> 00:06:28.409 that Slovenia has made advances in all key areas. 00:06:28.577 --> 00:06:34.236 This is very important information regarding the rule of law. 00:06:34.357 --> 00:06:38.140 One of the indicators that proves this 00:06:38.250 --> 00:06:42.008 is the Press Freedom Index, where Slovenia has improved 00:06:42.129 --> 00:06:44.796 by 21 positions since 2022. 00:06:44.937 --> 00:06:52.290 Slovenia was proud to have been a member of the UN Security Council. 00:06:52.483 --> 00:06:58.336 This reinforced our international credibility. 00:06:58.443 --> 00:07:03.409 These changes were conducted in dialog with civil society 00:07:03.577 --> 00:07:09.140 and experts. Two good examples of this were pension reform 00:07:09.297 --> 00:07:11.700 and the wage system. 00:07:11.863 --> 00:07:15.596 At the same time, we tracked the effects of inflation 00:07:15.763 --> 00:07:19.670 and raised both the minimum wage and welfare payments, 00:07:19.791 --> 00:07:24.009 while maintaining stable public finances 00:07:24.137 --> 00:07:29.636 and improving credit ratings. 00:07:29.777 --> 00:07:34.230 As for Intergenerational Alliance, 00:07:34.390 --> 00:07:38.863 we've carried out pension reform for the long-term stability 00:07:39.043 --> 00:07:43.169 of the pension and disability system, 00:07:43.290 --> 00:07:48.860 while considering upcoming demographic trends. 00:07:49.030 --> 00:07:54.580 We introduced long-term care in a comprehensive manner. 00:07:54.973 --> 00:08:00.930 I consider it one of the most important changes 00:08:01.070 --> 00:08:06.249 to Slovenia's welfare policy since independence. 00:08:06.403 --> 00:08:11.380 I've often pointed out that long-term care 00:08:11.563 --> 00:08:16.740 brings back dignity to all the users. 00:08:17.010 --> 00:08:23.189 According to January 2026 data, approximately 30,000 people 00:08:23.370 --> 00:08:28.020 receive services from the long-term system. 00:08:29.890 --> 00:08:36.865 Housing construction has received long-term funding during our term, 00:08:37.013 --> 00:08:40.780 namely a billion euros for public rental homes. 00:08:40.889 --> 00:08:43.565 That's a stable source of funding. 00:08:43.718 --> 00:08:50.738 I'm proud to say that about 2000 public rental homes 00:08:50.859 --> 00:08:55.420 were built in this term. Right now, about 500 homes 00:08:55.554 --> 00:08:58.700 are being built as part of 11 projects. 00:08:58.800 --> 00:09:02.803 Six more projects with 800 homes have construction permits. 00:09:02.924 --> 00:09:10.709 About ten projects with 1300 homes have construction permits pending. 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:14.228 Meanwhile, building lots are being acquired 00:09:14.366 --> 00:09:16.899 and new projects are being developed, 00:09:16.995 --> 00:09:20.551 which will enable the consistent construction of homes 00:09:20.671 --> 00:09:25.180 in the future. Our goal is to ensure a fairer society 00:09:25.280 --> 00:09:28.308 for all generations. 00:09:29.246 --> 00:09:34.757 In the area of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Sport, 00:09:34.878 --> 00:09:38.692 it's important to emphasize the we've overhauled 00:09:38.792 --> 00:09:42.398 education programs from kindergartens to high schools; 00:09:42.522 --> 00:09:46.693 that's more than 250 curricular documents. 00:09:47.586 --> 00:09:52.928 It's significant that we've doubled science funding 00:09:53.023 --> 00:09:57.242 and ensured long-term systemic stability. 00:09:57.548 --> 00:10:01.260 It's also important that Slovenia has become 00:10:01.366 --> 00:10:04.751 a full member of CERN, 00:10:04.846 --> 00:10:10.052 one of the world's most prestigious scientific institutions. 00:10:10.173 --> 00:10:16.797 Also worth noting, because the Olympics are in progress 00:10:16.912 --> 00:10:21.311 and we have sporting pride, is that we have made record 00:10:21.432 --> 00:10:27.720 investments in sports infrastructure around the country. 00:10:27.948 --> 00:10:32.070 We see knowledge as the foundation 00:10:32.190 --> 00:10:36.540 of future competitiveness, and investment in knowledge 00:10:36.682 --> 00:10:40.806 will remain one of our key priorities. 00:10:40.991 --> 00:10:44.752 As for the Green Transition, 00:10:44.873 --> 00:10:50.651 we've passed the first systemic Climate Act. 00:10:50.771 --> 00:10:55.634 We've expedited investment in renewables 00:10:55.748 --> 00:10:58.875 and sustainable mobility. One of the results 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:04.604 is the 15% growth in bus use over these two years. 00:11:04.669 --> 00:11:09.994 More and more people are using and relying on bus transport, 00:11:10.078 --> 00:11:13.828 which is important for reducing traffic flows. 00:11:14.335 --> 00:11:22.007 More than €881 million has been allocated for the energy transition. 00:11:22.682 --> 00:11:26.802 The green transition is not a choice, but a necessity, 00:11:26.885 --> 00:11:30.904 and Slovenia is proudly implementing it. 00:11:32.610 --> 00:11:37.443 Looking at the progress indicators for this term of office, 00:11:37.622 --> 00:11:43.039 I would like to highlight some of the results in terms of figures, 00:11:43.251 --> 00:11:46.992 almost 300 additional doctors 00:11:47.076 --> 00:11:50.214 and €800 million for health infrastructure. 00:11:50.297 --> 00:11:56.214 Slovenia has moved up 21 places in the media freedom ranking since 2022. 00:11:56.657 --> 00:12:02.513 As mentioned, €1 billion for rental apartments over the next ten years 00:12:02.888 --> 00:12:08.829 and up to €700 lower bills for staying in care homes, 00:12:09.035 --> 00:12:15.226 and a doubling of funding for science to €700 million in 2026. 00:12:15.644 --> 00:12:20.463 In 2023, Slovenia achieved its target 00:12:20.547 --> 00:12:24.188 of a 25% share of renewable energy sources 00:12:24.272 --> 00:12:26.824 in gross final energy consumption. 00:12:26.907 --> 00:12:29.708 These are concrete, measurable results 00:12:29.791 --> 00:12:33.414 that we have achieved during this government's term of office, 00:12:33.497 --> 00:12:36.396 and with concrete figures, we can say 00:12:36.479 --> 00:12:39.008 that we have strengthened the welfare state, 00:12:39.091 --> 00:12:41.054 initiated systemic reforms, 00:12:41.137 --> 00:12:44.725 and maintained macroeconomic stability. 00:12:45.241 --> 00:12:47.826 In other words, we have laid the foundations 00:12:47.909 --> 00:12:51.925 for the long-term resilience and competitiveness 00:12:52.009 --> 00:12:54.460 of the Republic of Slovenia, 00:12:54.562 --> 00:12:58.310 of which we should all be more than proud. 00:12:59.535 --> 00:13:03.394 I invite you to take a look at the details 00:13:03.478 --> 00:13:06.366 on the website gov.si/rezultati. 00:13:06.538 --> 00:13:10.804 It is, of course, also accessible via QR code, 00:13:10.888 --> 00:13:16.007 and our commitment remains a stable, fair, 00:13:16.091 --> 00:13:18.924 and development-oriented Slovenia. 00:13:19.238 --> 00:13:21.488 The work must be completed. 00:13:21.910 --> 00:13:25.899 We said at the outset that we would work for two terms. 00:13:25.982 --> 00:13:28.779 Slovenia has long been a prisoner 00:13:28.863 --> 00:13:32.130 of the one step forward, two steps back logic. 00:13:32.213 --> 00:13:36.844 Isn't it finally time to take two steps forward? 00:13:37.810 --> 00:13:39.582 Thank you. -Thank you. 00:13:39.666 --> 00:13:41.814 It's time for questions from the press. 00:13:41.897 --> 00:13:45.203 Take the microphone and introduce yourself. 00:13:45.286 --> 00:13:47.214 Nejc Furlan, TV Slovenia. 00:13:47.297 --> 00:13:51.416 You mentioned the complex healthcare system, 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:53.745 which you are currently reforming, 00:13:53.828 --> 00:13:56.736 but don't hold my fastidiousness against me. 00:13:56.819 --> 00:14:00.992 I think the coalition agreement also mentions pro bono clinics, 00:14:01.075 --> 00:14:04.105 which can no longer be financed by voluntary contributions 00:14:04.188 --> 00:14:06.305 or the goodwill of doctors 00:14:06.388 --> 00:14:08.808 and must become part of the public network. 00:14:08.891 --> 00:14:10.972 What is the status of this measure? 00:14:11.055 --> 00:14:18.379 Pro bono clinics are certainly a challenge that lies ahead of us. 00:14:19.022 --> 00:14:24.692 It was important for us to increase the proportion of family doctors, 00:14:24.776 --> 00:14:27.873 so we took certain measures 00:14:28.129 --> 00:14:33.198 and provided additional funding for specialization. 00:14:33.341 --> 00:14:36.759 Our measures have already shown results, 00:14:36.843 --> 00:14:38.865 if I'm not mistaken, 00:14:38.949 --> 00:14:43.413 the number of those who don't have a personal doctor 00:14:43.497 --> 00:14:47.801 has been reduced by 7,5%. 00:14:47.885 --> 00:14:50.874 This is one of the challenges going forward. 00:14:50.957 --> 00:14:54.786 Many people expected that once we had passed the act 00:14:54.869 --> 00:14:57.029 at the legislative level, i.e. on paper, 00:14:57.112 --> 00:14:59.717 the results would be visible overnight. 00:14:59.800 --> 00:15:06.256 Such a complex system, as we all know, is very difficult to change. 00:15:06.340 --> 00:15:12.097 If we achieve everything we have set out to do in two terms, 00:15:12.181 --> 00:15:15.209 we'll be more than proud. 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:19.779 This is also a matter of organizing work in individual institutions, 00:15:19.862 --> 00:15:22.298 which will be the biggest challenge 00:15:22.381 --> 00:15:25.089 for the management of all public institutions, 00:15:25.172 --> 00:15:30.951 who will have to ensure that doctors and all medical staff 00:15:31.035 --> 00:15:33.279 also achieve these goals. 00:15:33.944 --> 00:15:37.517 At the same time, this digitization will mean 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:40.888 an overview of waiting lists. 00:15:41.335 --> 00:15:45.576 On the other hand, we're facing the challenge 00:15:45.660 --> 00:15:51.682 of introducing bureaucratic relief for doctors, 00:15:51.810 --> 00:15:54.845 i.e., additional administrative staff, 00:15:54.928 --> 00:15:59.719 so that doctors will have more time for patients. 00:16:00.407 --> 00:16:03.196 Perhaps a question on another topic. 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:06.104 The coalition partners also miss 00:16:06.188 --> 00:16:10.005 a more comprehensive implementation of tax reform. 00:16:10.088 --> 00:16:12.420 What's the situation with this? 00:16:12.503 --> 00:16:14.103 Look... 00:16:14.931 --> 00:16:19.787 That's true. Certain measures have been taken, 00:16:19.874 --> 00:16:25.197 but it was essential for us to lay the foundations, 00:16:25.403 --> 00:16:28.512 i.e., a socially stable country, 00:16:29.203 --> 00:16:33.403 to regulate the public sector pay system 00:16:33.487 --> 00:16:37.287 so that no one is below the minimum wage, 00:16:37.622 --> 00:16:39.510 to reduce public debt, 00:16:39.594 --> 00:16:43.444 which is the basis for reducing the burden 00:16:43.528 --> 00:16:47.300 and introducing a serious tax policy. 00:16:47.384 --> 00:16:50.201 This is what awaits us in the next term. 00:16:50.284 --> 00:16:53.323 We now have an excellent credit rating 00:16:53.406 --> 00:16:58.301 and a financial situation that is stable in public finances, 00:16:58.384 --> 00:17:06.384 and we can build on that in the area of tax policy. 00:17:06.816 --> 00:17:11.385 However, it's true that the latest measure adopted, 00:17:11.469 --> 00:17:18.225 which in a way attempts to discredit those who praised us 00:17:18.309 --> 00:17:23.635 for involving workers in profit sharing, 00:17:23.913 --> 00:17:26.573 is one of those measures that strengthens 00:17:26.656 --> 00:17:31.585 and gives employers the opportunity to reward their employees. 00:17:31.668 --> 00:17:34.616 This mainly refers to the middle class, 00:17:34.699 --> 00:17:39.283 which may have been neglected at a certain point in time. 00:17:39.366 --> 00:17:42.811 Perhaps one more question on the topic of regionalization. 00:17:42.894 --> 00:17:45.905 This is also part of the coalition agreement. 00:17:45.988 --> 00:17:49.551 At least the opposition NSi party is talking about it these days, 00:17:49.634 --> 00:17:52.403 saying that it would reduce bureaucracy. 00:17:52.486 --> 00:17:57.122 After all, you yourself were a mayor. You probably know these procedures. 00:17:57.205 --> 00:18:00.625 Where are we with regionalization, is it one of the plans 00:18:00.708 --> 00:18:02.708 for the second term? 00:18:03.014 --> 00:18:07.440 I have my own opinion as far as regionalization is concerned. 00:18:07.523 --> 00:18:15.204 I'll believe in it when we define and unify the policy 00:18:15.423 --> 00:18:18.471 on what the mission of the regions actually is. 00:18:18.554 --> 00:18:24.055 What can the state transfer from the state to the regions 00:18:24.139 --> 00:18:26.037 and what can local communities 00:18:26.120 --> 00:18:29.215 transfer from local communities to the regions. 00:18:29.298 --> 00:18:33.130 In the past, we talked too much about how many regions 00:18:33.213 --> 00:18:36.146 or which municipality would be in which region. 00:18:36.229 --> 00:18:39.667 That's why we put that aside 00:18:39.795 --> 00:18:44.783 and, with the development strategy of regions, 00:18:45.170 --> 00:18:48.087 statistical regions as we know them, 00:18:48.392 --> 00:18:54.548 we did something that will have a very important impact 00:18:54.632 --> 00:18:59.986 on the development of Slovenia in the medium and long term. 00:19:00.398 --> 00:19:04.906 We'll also send this strategy to Parliament very soon. 00:19:04.989 --> 00:19:09.239 The act has been passed. And what does this act say? 00:19:09.370 --> 00:19:11.202 It says that in the future, 00:19:11.285 --> 00:19:16.614 regions will have certain funds at their disposal 00:19:16.848 --> 00:19:20.142 to develop their advantages. 00:19:20.354 --> 00:19:24.602 Not all regions are the same. Let me give you an example. 00:19:24.685 --> 00:19:27.923 Zasavje has high purchasing power, 00:19:28.007 --> 00:19:31.092 however, its GDP per capita is very low 00:19:31.175 --> 00:19:34.105 because everyone gravitates towards Ljubljana. 00:19:34.188 --> 00:19:36.249 We must use regionalization 00:19:36.332 --> 00:19:39.892 and the funds that we will allocate to this 00:19:39.976 --> 00:19:43.995 to strengthen the regions in order to relieve the burden 00:19:44.078 --> 00:19:47.078 on the centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, 00:19:47.586 --> 00:19:50.767 where, according to my data, 00:19:50.897 --> 00:19:54.935 more than 110,000 people commute daily. 00:19:55.679 --> 00:19:58.501 If, in my opinion, 00:19:58.635 --> 00:20:01.310 we reduce this by 10 or 20%, 00:20:01.394 --> 00:20:06.495 if we start to strengthen jobs outside the centre of Ljubljana, 00:20:06.578 --> 00:20:11.927 we'll probably no longer be talking about a third lane on the highways 00:20:12.010 --> 00:20:16.344 and, of course, we'll also strengthen rail transport. 00:20:16.748 --> 00:20:20.914 What kind of relationship, what kind of dialogue 00:20:20.998 --> 00:20:23.799 do you want with the economy in the future? 00:20:23.882 --> 00:20:25.696 This is one of the burning issues. 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:29.021 We hear sharp criticism from various associations 00:20:29.104 --> 00:20:33.354 against taxes, against bureaucratization, and so on. 00:20:34.157 --> 00:20:39.704 Do you intend to change anything in the future with the economy? 00:20:40.073 --> 00:20:44.411 We have proven that we know how to conduct dialogue, 00:20:44.495 --> 00:20:49.892 we have revived the Economic and Social Council. 00:20:50.229 --> 00:20:54.429 Not all of our measures 00:20:54.513 --> 00:20:58.954 were well received or well understood. 00:20:59.038 --> 00:21:02.204 We had to lay the foundations 00:21:02.288 --> 00:21:04.912 so that we can also strengthen our economy. 00:21:04.995 --> 00:21:07.492 On the other hand, it must be said 00:21:07.575 --> 00:21:12.204 that the economy has recently been recording record profits, 00:21:12.287 --> 00:21:14.870 which we are more than proud of. 00:21:15.468 --> 00:21:18.685 The fact that we have stabilized public finances 00:21:18.768 --> 00:21:22.082 shows that we can now move in this direction, 00:21:22.165 --> 00:21:28.930 The fact that we have introduced employee profit sharing 00:21:29.014 --> 00:21:32.302 also shows that we are listening to the economy. 00:21:32.385 --> 00:21:37.858 The fact that we have introduced a less taxed Christmas bonus 00:21:37.942 --> 00:21:43.525 also shows that we have been able to reduce the tax burden on labour. 00:21:43.830 --> 00:21:47.243 On the other hand, there have also been measures 00:21:47.326 --> 00:21:50.461 that have contributed to economic development, 00:21:50.544 --> 00:21:52.801 but some are taking them for granted. 00:21:52.884 --> 00:21:57.907 We had 1.7 billion in annual investments in infrastructure, 00:21:58.141 --> 00:22:01.920 which contributes significantly to economic development. 00:22:02.003 --> 00:22:05.020 The energy crisis, which few people even felt, 00:22:05.103 --> 00:22:08.976 was also taken for granted, but it cost hundreds of millions. 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:14.180 Not to mention how much money we contributed to other investments 00:22:14.263 --> 00:22:17.670 that also contribute to economic development. 00:22:17.753 --> 00:22:21.176 Sometimes people don't like to hear these numbers 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:24.843 and take them for granted, but they are not. 00:22:25.009 --> 00:22:27.689 I will combine two questions into one. 00:22:27.772 --> 00:22:34.107 Property taxation, and perhaps also the calls from the opposition. 00:22:34.191 --> 00:22:39.042 Demographic winter, demographic fund, joy of life, 00:22:39.126 --> 00:22:41.677 jobs should be taken up by Slovenians. 00:22:41.760 --> 00:22:44.633 We hear this these days, for example from the NSi. 00:22:44.716 --> 00:22:51.214 We'll hear more such and other initiatives in the coming days. 00:22:51.616 --> 00:22:57.438 We have demonstrated through concrete measures and actions 00:22:57.760 --> 00:23:00.420 that we are committed to ensuring 00:23:00.503 --> 00:23:04.544 that Slovenia is a socially stable country. 00:23:05.041 --> 00:23:09.317 In the future, we want this country to be even more progressive, 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:13.100 to have jobs with high added value, 00:23:13.184 --> 00:23:17.624 to talk not about the minimum wage but about our progress, 00:23:17.707 --> 00:23:20.919 about what each of us can contribute, 00:23:21.003 --> 00:23:28.785 and to seek out the potential that lies within every single citizen. 00:23:29.567 --> 00:23:31.168 Property taxation. 00:23:31.251 --> 00:23:37.797 Property taxation will come into play when politics unifies, 00:23:38.209 --> 00:23:40.512 because that is the future, 00:23:40.663 --> 00:23:45.419 regardless of which party, left or right, is in power. 00:23:46.281 --> 00:23:49.313 The only way to relieve the burden on the economy 00:23:49.396 --> 00:23:51.813 is to take it from somewhere. 00:23:52.378 --> 00:23:56.104 We all like to say that the economy needs to be relieved, 00:23:56.187 --> 00:24:00.020 taxes need to be relieved, but no one says how. 00:24:00.337 --> 00:24:03.183 This is one of the options 00:24:03.450 --> 00:24:06.730 for easing the burden. 00:24:07.410 --> 00:24:11.017 However, broad political consensus is required. 00:24:11.217 --> 00:24:14.843 Are you united within the coalition, as far as this is concerned? 00:24:15.097 --> 00:24:17.463 We are concluding this term. 00:24:17.770 --> 00:24:22.670 We embarked on this path, 00:24:22.903 --> 00:24:30.117 but we have not yet reached concrete figures regarding taxation. 00:24:30.257 --> 00:24:32.330 Everyone had their own understanding of it, 00:24:32.450 --> 00:24:34.370 so we decided to take it off the table 00:24:34.557 --> 00:24:37.830 and discuss it when the time is right. 00:24:38.037 --> 00:24:45.443 The best time for this is at the beginning of a government’s term. 00:24:45.690 --> 00:24:48.317 My last question. 00:24:48.517 --> 00:24:54.963 What percentage of the coalition agreement have you fulfilled? 00:24:55.403 --> 00:24:57.303 The vast majority. We are proud of it. 00:24:57.410 --> 00:25:01.403 We are most proud of the key changes, 00:25:01.543 --> 00:25:07.410 we introduced in pension reform, wage reform, healthcare reform, 00:25:07.597 --> 00:25:10.830 education, and science. These are fundamental reforms 00:25:11.017 --> 00:25:16.450 that were crucial to move Slovenia forward. 00:25:16.577 --> 00:25:18.683 Our work is not yet finished. 00:25:18.950 --> 00:25:26.310 We hope that voters and citizens will recognize our work and effort 00:25:26.503 --> 00:25:29.937 and give us the opportunity to complete it. 00:25:30.123 --> 00:25:33.803 Are we talking about approximately 70 to 80 percent? 00:25:34.070 --> 00:25:38.357 It's difficult to give the exact percentage at this moment. 00:25:38.597 --> 00:25:43.510 What matters to me is that we delivered on the key commitments 00:25:43.750 --> 00:25:47.257 that were also most visible in public discourse 00:25:47.383 --> 00:25:51.130 Many doubted we would succeed. The circumstances were not easy, 00:25:51.243 --> 00:25:55.237 we faced floods, a fire, and the energy crisis. 00:25:55.497 --> 00:25:57.957 Today, that is behind us. 00:25:58.157 --> 00:26:03.150 We are proud of our work and satisfied 00:26:03.330 --> 00:26:06.403 and I hope that citizens are satisfied as well. 00:26:06.490 --> 00:26:09.270 That is why we are pleased to present our results 00:26:09.383 --> 00:26:12.463 which will be published on the website. It is also important 00:26:12.630 --> 00:26:15.990 that every citizen will be able to see 00:26:16.097 --> 00:26:21.050 which investments were co-financed with state funds 00:26:21.310 --> 00:26:23.837 in their municipality. 00:26:24.337 --> 00:26:27.217 Thank you. Go ahead. -Mr. Minister. 00:26:27.450 --> 00:26:33.170 A representative of the Association Slovenian Tourist Journalists. 00:26:33.503 --> 00:26:39.677 The first question is regarding your sector. 00:26:39.890 --> 00:26:42.463 You were a Minister for Slovenians Abroad, 00:26:42.670 --> 00:26:49.223 you travel extensively and have numerous contacts. 00:26:49.437 --> 00:26:56.770 I am interested in the connection between Slovenians abroad 00:26:56.943 --> 00:26:58.963 and Slovenian tourism. 00:27:00.123 --> 00:27:05.690 There is a lot of it here. 00:27:05.863 --> 00:27:10.037 I don't know here, 00:27:10.257 --> 00:27:14.517 if the Interreg program is integrated into this cooperation 00:27:14.657 --> 00:27:19.483 with Slovenians in neighbouring countries within these programs? 00:27:19.623 --> 00:27:24.150 Given that it has opportunities for influence in tourism. 00:27:24.450 --> 00:27:27.183 This is one thing. Can I continue later? 00:27:27.517 --> 00:27:31.683 I did not expect a question from my area, 00:27:31.797 --> 00:27:35.923 so I am very pleased and honoured. I believe you are the first 00:27:36.063 --> 00:27:40.737 at a press conference to ask me something from this field. 00:27:40.850 --> 00:27:43.817 I am very proud of the work we have done in this term. 00:27:44.037 --> 00:27:49.637 We've connected Slovenian communities abroad in various fields. 00:27:49.823 --> 00:27:51.463 Agriculture was already connected, 00:27:51.630 --> 00:27:55.363 but we additionally connected sports organizations, 00:27:55.597 --> 00:28:01.570 cultural institutions, and economic actors in neighbouring communities. 00:28:01.803 --> 00:28:05.383 We established an economic coordination body, 00:28:05.510 --> 00:28:07.563 secured financial resources, 00:28:07.737 --> 00:28:11.330 and strengthened cooperation with Slovenians around the world. 00:28:11.503 --> 00:28:14.903 In doing so, we are enhancing Slovenia’s visibility, 00:28:15.037 --> 00:28:20.737 economic cooperation, and, of course, tourism. 00:28:21.917 --> 00:28:27.757 Regarding the question about financial incentives, 00:28:28.010 --> 00:28:33.063 the Republic of Slovenia has, for the first time, co-financed 00:28:33.177 --> 00:28:36.457 economic entities outside its borders. 00:28:36.597 --> 00:28:40.270 We carried out a pilot project in the Rába Valley. 00:28:40.423 --> 00:28:43.170 We are strengthening cross-border cooperation 00:28:43.263 --> 00:28:45.657 through European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation. 00:28:45.797 --> 00:28:50.323 and have secured funding so that these groupings 00:28:50.603 --> 00:28:56.050 can co-finance Interreg projects. 00:28:56.277 --> 00:28:59.910 These European groupings are an important link 00:29:00.177 --> 00:29:06.483 and a model for Europe of how vital cross-border cooperation is. 00:29:06.690 --> 00:29:11.377 Does this have an effect? -This is already producing initial results. 00:29:11.697 --> 00:29:17.623 We are also working with the Chamber of Craft and Small Business, SBC 00:29:17.763 --> 00:29:20.710 and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy. 00:29:20.930 --> 00:29:26.917 We've established joint coordination to further strengthen economic ties 00:29:27.037 --> 00:29:29.097 and create a common platform 00:29:29.263 --> 00:29:33.217 so that Slovenians can support one another. 00:29:33.323 --> 00:29:36.110 The Slovenian-Hungarian Fund contributes to this effort. 00:29:36.290 --> 00:29:43.483 Yes. Both Slovenia and Hungary have provided funding, 00:29:43.643 --> 00:29:46.950 an investment plan has been prepared, 00:29:47.157 --> 00:29:52.270 and cross-border cooperation 00:29:52.483 --> 00:29:57.543 is being implemented in practice. 00:29:57.810 --> 00:30:00.832 We place particular emphasis 00:30:00.952 --> 00:30:07.937 on the Slovenian national minority living outside the homeland. 00:30:08.063 --> 00:30:14.510 I have a question also about the two newest events. 00:30:14.757 --> 00:30:20.517 Yesterday, we've heard about the nuclear power plant. 00:30:20.677 --> 00:30:26.343 Is it going to be financed only by Slovenia? 00:30:26.523 --> 00:30:33.097 In other words, other countries won't be involved in it? 00:30:33.330 --> 00:30:37.850 What is the significance of this and if it's important for Slovenia? 00:30:38.110 --> 00:30:39.890 It is absolutely important. 00:30:40.023 --> 00:30:44.477 It is important that this energy facility is spatially planned 00:30:44.683 --> 00:30:48.250 and that all necessary spatial plans are prepared. 00:30:48.363 --> 00:30:51.790 We cannot wait for the referendum decision, 00:30:51.910 --> 00:30:55.737 which will be held in 2027 or 2028. 00:30:56.123 --> 00:30:58.530 Don't quote me on that. 00:30:58.930 --> 00:31:03.237 It will either give the green light or not. 00:31:03.510 --> 00:31:08.243 It is important that this energy facility is spatially planned 00:31:08.383 --> 00:31:14.503 and for now, it appears that Slovenia could, in the long term, 00:31:14.877 --> 00:31:18.217 finance this project independently. -The decision has not been finalized. 00:31:18.477 --> 00:31:22.577 Absolutely, it has not been finalized. 00:31:22.843 --> 00:31:30.377 And today's problems. There are global challenges and supply crisis. 00:31:30.623 --> 00:31:35.863 The problem is also the role of the United Nations. 00:31:36.143 --> 00:31:41.563 Unfortunately, there wasn't enough done in this area. 00:31:41.777 --> 00:31:49.290 An American committee got involved which even the Pope disapproves. 00:31:49.670 --> 00:31:54.430 Is Slovenia maybe taking action here 00:31:54.690 --> 00:31:57.177 to develop this further. 00:31:57.363 --> 00:32:03.390 To press the United Nations to save this global crisis. 00:32:03.550 --> 00:32:05.350 I don't see any other way. 00:32:05.577 --> 00:32:09.277 We are a very small part of it. 00:32:09.503 --> 00:32:12.310 But we can be loud. 00:32:12.583 --> 00:32:15.877 There is always more that can be done in every area. 00:32:16.070 --> 00:32:21.850 In recent times, we have pursued an active foreign policy, 00:32:22.030 --> 00:32:24.973 both through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 00:32:25.067 --> 00:32:31.587 and the Prime Minister's contacts with European and global leaders. 00:32:31.880 --> 00:32:35.403 We have spoken out when necessary 00:32:35.537 --> 00:32:39.070 regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, 00:32:39.243 --> 00:32:42.230 the situation in Gaza, and the recognition of Palestine. 00:32:42.417 --> 00:32:46.257 Slovenia is an active member of the international community. 00:32:46.437 --> 00:32:52.123 What about, if Slovenia as a small country connects 00:32:52.343 --> 00:32:57.330 or supports other smaller countries 00:32:57.463 --> 00:33:03.970 to pursue a joint approach, which might be more important, 00:33:04.150 --> 00:33:07.970 when bigger ones don't find the right solution. 00:33:08.137 --> 00:33:13.770 At least to assert the United Nations that already exist. 00:33:14.077 --> 00:33:16.670 Thank you for the proposal. 00:33:17.450 --> 00:33:19.650 Any more questions? 00:33:20.050 --> 00:33:22.010 If not, thank you. 00:33:22.157 --> 00:33:24.875 I invite you to visit the website gov.si/results, 00:33:24.995 --> 00:33:29.010 where you can find two tabs, a map and an overview 00:33:29.184 --> 00:33:31.793 of projects carried out in individual municipalities. 00:33:32.020 --> 00:33:35.807 This concludes the press conference. Thank you, Vice President. 00:33:35.987 --> 00:33:38.753 Have a nice day. -Thank you. Goodbye.