WEBVTT

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Dear journalists,

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greetings from me as well.

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It was a great honour
to be a minister

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in Dr. Golob's government. I've had
a lot of unforgettable moments,

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also here with you,
but the best feeling is

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when you contribute
with your work

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in making Slovenia a better,
safer and more successful country

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where life is
better and more beautiful.

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In July 2024,
we had a fire in the Carst region.

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When we saw the smoke,

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the locals remembered
the horrors of 2022

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when we were caught
in fire for a week.

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But it wasn't like that.

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Air Tractors flew in,
our new planes,

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and the fire was under control
in a couple of hours.

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Why did I start
with this story?

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Because buying these planes
is a perfect example

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of what the government's job is.
To create conditions

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for experienced professionals
to be able to do their job.

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I was thinking the same thing
at our regional visits.

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Wherever we came, mayors,
municipal councilors, directors,

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regardless of their
political beliefs, told us

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they've never had
so many investments and projects

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as under this government.
When you go among people,

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you see political quarrels are
one thing and reality is another.

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What matters is
that everyone does their job.

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The ministers in this government
were thinking

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about what people need.
What we have to do

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to renovate a road,
finish a bridge,

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open new factories,
have enough teachers and nurses,

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higher pensions and wages.

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We were also working
on things that aren't visible

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and aren't bringing
political points for being popular,

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but they are important.

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We raised the funds
for research and development

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which will have consequences for
decades to come. With this money,

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we will get future scientists
and tech companies.

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A couple of months ago,
I was in Gorizia

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where the Nova Gorica University
renovated a building

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and transformed it
in a student dorm.

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Students from all over the world
live there. This is what we need.

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Investments in our self-confidence.
It is the government's job

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to support this ambition.

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The Christmas bonus
was a political topic as well.

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Arguments for and against it
were often abstract.

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We were all smart,

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but we forgot
about people, citizens, workers

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that got the Christmas bonus
for the first time.

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Maybe it wasn't
even about €600, 700,

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but about feeling valuable

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and the society
respecting their work.

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I never wanted to say
the government gave it

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because the government
doesn't give,

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it just distributes
the taxpayers' money.

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A good and responsible
government

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distributes limited resources

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considering everyone
in this country.

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Not just those
who are the loudest

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and can buy a favour,
everyone.

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I don't have
a problem with criticism.

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I always loved to go
to business people,

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even when they had unpleasant
things to say. I also won't say

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we were all perfect
and didn't make any mistakes,

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but we always
listened and adapted.

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We promised dialogue and led it,
even when it was hard.

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First, dialogue in the coalition
where we kept our differences

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because they are valuable,
but we reached a compromise.

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We lead dialogue with social
partners, experts and civil society.

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We weren't afraid
of referendums.

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That's why they were laughing at us
that we changed our mind.

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This is a small price.
If you change direction

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because you listen
to people and their doubts,

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this isn't indecisiveness,

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it is responsibility and respect
for our citizens and country.

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Maybe we sometimes
changed the direction,

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but we never gave up
on our values and goals.

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Now we have a different,
but still a very responsible role

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and we will keep following
our goals.

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Thank you
for your cooperation.

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It was an honour to be

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a speaker for the government
and a minister.

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I want to thank the Prime Minister
in the name of all ministers

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for giving us
this opportunity.

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Now,
I want to invite over here

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the main protagonist
of the past four years,

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the Prime Minister,

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and deputies Luka Mesec
and Klemen Boštjančič.

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Tanja Fajon isn't here

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because she is on a work trip.
-Hello.

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Luka Mesec will speak first.
Go ahead.

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Thank you and hello.
We had our last session today

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and we looked
at where we are after four years.

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Regardless of the criticism,

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we can look at Slovenia

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and confidently say it is
in a much better shape

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than when we took over.
I won't exaggerate if I say

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we proved that economic development
and welfare can go hand in hand.

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International indices
prove it.

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I will name a few.
Human Development Index.

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Here,
we are in the 8th place in the EU.

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According to the Happiness Index,
we are in the 10th place.

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We gained three places
in the Social Progress Index

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and are in the 10th place
in the EU.

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We are in the 2nd place according
to how happy we are with life.

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Only Denmark is ahead of us.

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We have the lowest
child poverty rate in the world.

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According to the Peace Index,
we are in the 9th place in the world

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and we are in the 8th place
in the Childhood Quality Index.

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These figures ... We're among 10
countries in the world in all areas.

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Speak for themselves:

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Slovenia is a country
in a very strong position,

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with a very high
level of prosperity

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and a very high quality of life.

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During our term in office,
we improved that prosperity.

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If we look at how wages
and pensions have grown,

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the data are equally telling.

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Our policy
was focused on wage growth.

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The key instrument for achieving this
was the minimum wage,

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which we increased
from €1,074 in 2022

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to €1,481 gross this year.

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That represents
an increase of €407.

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A critic might say that we only
increased the minimum wage.

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However, if we look
at the average wage, we find

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that it grew even faster
than the minimum wage.

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While the minimum wage increased
by €407 gross during our term,

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the average wage
increased by €580,

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from €2,024 in 2022
to €2,604 this year.

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In terms of average wage growth

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and the level of average wages,
we have overtaken Southern Europe.

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We are ahead of Italy,
Spain, and Portugal.

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It is highly significant,
where does Slovenia stand today.

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Pensions have also increased.
To mention just one figure:

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the average pension
received by a retiree

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who fulfilled
both eligibility conditions,

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retirement age
and forty years of service,

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increased by €250 net,
from €977 to €1,227.

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At the same time,
economic indicators remain solid.

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Economic growth in the first
quarter of this year was higher

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than the average for both the
euro area and the EU, 3.1%.

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According to AJPES,
Slovenian companies recorded

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record profits last year
of €7.3 billion,

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which is 13% higher
than the year before.

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Contrary to what critics claim
that profits are increasing only

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in insurance, finance, banking,
and pharmaceuticals,

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AJPES data show
that micro-enterprises recorded

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the largest increase in net profit,
rising by as much as 51% last year.

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Employment was at its highest level
in Slovenia’s history

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and remains very strong today.

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Unemployment stands
at 43,000 this year,

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which is roughly three times lower
than in 2012,

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when I decided to enter politics.

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At that time, there were 125,000
unemployed people,

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and it was said that the natural rate
in Slovenia was 60,000.

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This year,
we have 43,000 unemployed.

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That says a lot about
the success of our employment policy.

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It also says a great deal about
how successfully we reduced

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the number
of long-term unemployed people.

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In 2022, there were 37,000
long-term unemployed individuals.

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This year, there are only 17,000
long-term unemployed people

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who are difficult to employ.

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We've also been much more successful
in employing disabled people.

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In 2022,
there were 8,700 unemployed,

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this year, there are 6,100.

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The Minister of Finance will explain

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the state of public finances,
which are also in a solid condition.

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We successfully improved Slovenia’s
credit rating from AA- to AA,

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supported
by the reforms we implemented.

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After a lost decade or more

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we were a reform-oriented government
that completed its projects.

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I would particularly highlight
the areas overseen by the Levica party,

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especially culture,
where I believe we can say

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that we placed culture
at the center of society,

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improved
the position of cultural creators,

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self-employed cultural workers

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and completed
numerous cultural heritage projects.

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I hope that our successors
will manage to complete

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the Drama Theatre project, which we
at least successfully set in motion.

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The pension reform
will remain in place.

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Yesterday, the candidate for Minister
of Labour and the Economy

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described it as one of
the government's major achievements.

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Therefore,
I expect that the pension system,

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as designed through 2045,
will remain unchanged.

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Regarding long-term care,

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we heard many criticisms
during the election campaign.

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However, yesterday Ms. Ribič,
the candidate

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for the Ministry of Demography

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which will also be responsible
for long-term care

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essentially stated that no major
changes are planned in this area.

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Therefore, this reform
will also remain in place.

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In the housing sector,

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we succeeded
in establishing a system

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capable of delivering nearly 2,000
public rental apartments per year

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under current conditions.

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That many projects will begin
construction this year.

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I would recommend that the future
government not alter this system.

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If it is serious about one of its
key objectives, demographic policy,

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then housing policy,
meaning the ability of young people

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to find affordable housing,
is its foundation.

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At this point,
as my term comes to an end,

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I would like to thank the Prime
Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers,

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all ministers, and the countless
colleagues across the government

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who helped us
throughout these four years

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and made it possible
for us to initiate,

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negotiate, and successfully
complete these projects.

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Thank you very much.
-Thank you.

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I now give the floor to my colleague
Boštjančič. Please go ahead.

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Thank you, Matej.

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We are leaving Slovenia with public
finances that are stable

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and prepared
for future challenges.

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During this term,
we faced a series of crises:

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the highest inflation in the history
of the euro area, an energy crisis,

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the largest natural disaster
in our country's history,

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and numerous
geopolitical uncertainties,

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all of which had negative
consequences for public finances.

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Despite all these crises,

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we managed to preserve
the country's fiscal stability.

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Not only
did we preserve fiscal stability,

00:15:55.305 --> 00:16:00.485
but all international organizations
acknowledge this.

00:16:00.598 --> 00:16:04.431
Every credit rating
agency has upgraded

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Slovenia’s rating over
the past 18 months,

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and all other
relevant international institutions.

00:16:14.078 --> 00:16:17.985
Slovenia therefore remains a country
with strong access to financing

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and a high level of credibility
in international markets.

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I am pleased that
despite the constant claims

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made during the election period

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primarily
by the opposition at the time

00:16:35.118 --> 00:16:40.911
about the allegedly catastrophic
state of public finances,

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claims that some media outlets
faithfully repeated,

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the picture has become clearer
in recent weeks.

00:16:51.438 --> 00:16:56.804
If you listened to the presentation
of the incoming Minister of Finance,

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he clearly stated
that the public finance situation

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is far from catastrophic.

00:17:04.951 --> 00:17:09.618
Of course, challenges exist.
I have never denied that

00:17:09.771 --> 00:17:12.438
and have never shied away
from acknowledging it.

00:17:12.604 --> 00:17:16.078
In addition to maintaining
stable public finances,

00:17:16.291 --> 00:17:21.825
we have also worked in recent years
on our international visibility.

00:17:22.085 --> 00:17:24.825
Today, Slovenia is much more
visible and influential

00:17:24.958 --> 00:17:29.045
not only in European financial
circles but also more broadly.

00:17:29.291 --> 00:17:33.631
We actively participated in shaping
new European fiscal rules,

00:17:33.858 --> 00:17:38.211
discussions on the competitiveness
of the European economy,

00:17:38.425 --> 00:17:42.738
and the development
of capital markets in Europe.

00:17:42.971 --> 00:17:46.585
We demonstrated
that even as a small country,

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we can have a strong
and important voice internationally.

00:17:53.885 --> 00:17:58.958
Recently, we strengthened Slovenia’s
presence in financial markets

00:17:59.075 --> 00:18:03.919
we have succeeded
in diversifying our investor base.

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Today, Slovenia
is considered a country

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with the most advanced
approach and methodology

00:18:13.161 --> 00:18:15.590
for issuing bonds.

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We are pioneering a range

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of new, modern instruments
on a global scale.

00:18:25.941 --> 00:18:29.654
We have paid particular attention
to the capital market,

00:18:29.737 --> 00:18:35.153
an area that had been neglected
since Slovenia's independence.

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I'm pleased that, at least here,
the people involved in this field

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also openly acknowledge this.

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The next thing
I would like to highlight

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is the recovery
and resilience plan.

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Personally,
I have been a strong supporter

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of this so-called carrot-and-stick
principle from the very beginning,

00:18:58.306 --> 00:19:02.642
where European countries
receive funds only on the condition

00:19:02.725 --> 00:19:05.994
that they implement the reforms
announced in advance

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and, of course, carry out
the projects they have announced.

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Today, Slovenia is one of
the most successful countries

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in terms of drawing down these
funds, especially in recent weeks.

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Even after the elections,
we have worked very hard

00:19:22.431 --> 00:19:26.801
to do everything possible
to ensure that Slovenia draws

00:19:26.884 --> 00:19:29.542
all available funds
by August 31.

00:19:29.625 --> 00:19:35.384
Above all, I'm referring
to the non-repayable funds.

00:19:37.665 --> 00:19:41.507
To conclude, the greatest
achievement of this term

00:19:41.590 --> 00:19:46.026
is not the adoption of
a single act or a single decision,

00:19:46.109 --> 00:19:48.634
but above all the fact that,

00:19:49.469 --> 00:19:52.973
during this time
of multiple consecutive crises,

00:19:53.056 --> 00:19:55.808
we've managed to maintain
stable public finances

00:19:55.891 --> 00:19:59.141
and, above all,
confidence in the state.

00:19:59.506 --> 00:20:03.625
We are thus handing over
Slovenia in good shape,

00:20:03.709 --> 00:20:05.691
with high
international credibility

00:20:05.774 --> 00:20:09.524
and a solid foundation
for future development.

00:20:09.628 --> 00:20:11.535
One final point
I'd like to make is that

00:20:11.618 --> 00:20:15.226
I'm particularly proud
that we have tackled issues

00:20:15.309 --> 00:20:20.415
that opportunistic politics
over the past 15 or 20 years

00:20:20.797 --> 00:20:23.083
has been unwilling to address.

00:20:23.166 --> 00:20:26.395
Were we successful in everything?
No, we weren't.

00:20:26.478 --> 00:20:31.825
Are there still things that need
to be done? Yes, absolutely.

00:20:32.344 --> 00:20:36.629
Did we tackle some projects
the wrong way or too late?

00:20:36.712 --> 00:20:42.293
Yes, but there is one thing
I absolutely believe we didn't fail.

00:20:42.566 --> 00:20:48.260
We have strived all along
and tried to work for the good

00:20:48.344 --> 00:20:51.573
of the citizens
of the Republic of Slovenia

00:20:51.656 --> 00:20:56.028
to normalize the
situation in our country.

00:20:56.112 --> 00:20:58.689
I believe that many
have already forgotten

00:20:58.772 --> 00:21:01.729
what this country was like
five years ago.

00:21:01.812 --> 00:21:05.625
And I hope we won't
need to remember that

00:21:05.709 --> 00:21:09.020
in the coming months and years.
Thank you very much.

00:21:09.103 --> 00:21:12.602
Thank you, Klemen.
What has been the effort

00:21:12.685 --> 00:21:17.183
of the entire ministerial team,
and this government's achievements?

00:21:17.266 --> 00:21:20.095
Our Prime Minister,
Dr. Robert Golob,

00:21:20.178 --> 00:21:23.990
will have the final word on that.
Please go ahead.

00:21:24.073 --> 00:21:28.399
Ladies and gentlemen!
Today, Slovenia is in good shape

00:21:28.482 --> 00:21:32.989
because we never backed down
from crises, but managed them,

00:21:33.072 --> 00:21:35.026
because we protected
people and businesses,

00:21:35.109 --> 00:21:38.467
because we invested in
knowledge, science, infrastructure,

00:21:38.550 --> 00:21:40.835
healthcare, development,
and resilience.

00:21:40.918 --> 00:21:43.586
And because even in the most
difficult moments, we believed

00:21:43.669 --> 00:21:46.642
that the state
must not merely put out fires,

00:21:46.725 --> 00:21:49.725
but must constantly
build the future.

00:21:50.479 --> 00:21:53.921
For a moment, I would like to speak
not just as Prime Minister,

00:21:54.004 --> 00:21:57.170
but as a person
who loves this country.

00:21:57.307 --> 00:22:00.989
That's why I don't wish
to speak about numbers.

00:22:01.072 --> 00:22:04.298
Because a country
is not just numbers and indicators,

00:22:04.381 --> 00:22:06.965
a country is,
above all, people.

00:22:07.125 --> 00:22:09.110
During these years
as Prime Minister,

00:22:09.193 --> 00:22:12.467
and for this I am very grateful,
I have met many people

00:22:12.550 --> 00:22:17.884
who have repeatedly reminded me
why politics is important at all.

00:22:18.129 --> 00:22:22.083
I have met people who lost their
sense of security in the floods.

00:22:22.166 --> 00:22:26.960
Some lost everything,
but they never lost their dignity.

00:22:27.581 --> 00:22:29.515
I met firefighters

00:22:29.875 --> 00:22:34.598
who didn't ask how long
it would take to put out the fire,

00:22:34.681 --> 00:22:37.015
but where they needed to go.

00:22:37.098 --> 00:22:41.712
I met healthcare workers who,
despite their exhaustion,

00:22:41.796 --> 00:22:45.880
never stopped caring for others
for even a moment.

00:22:46.328 --> 00:22:51.217
I met teachers who understand that
they are not just teaching subjects,

00:22:51.300 --> 00:22:54.550
but raising our children
for the future.

00:22:55.303 --> 00:22:58.698
I met workers, entrepreneurs,
farmers, researchers, volunteers,

00:22:58.781 --> 00:23:02.864
young and old,
each in their own way demonstrating

00:23:02.969 --> 00:23:06.539
the extraordinary strength
they bring to Slovenia.

00:23:06.622 --> 00:23:10.578
That's why today
I'm above all grateful

00:23:10.856 --> 00:23:13.870
for the experience
of the past four years.

00:23:13.953 --> 00:23:15.979
Grateful for the patience,

00:23:16.062 --> 00:23:18.786
and also for the criticism
when it was justified,

00:23:18.869 --> 00:23:22.119
for the trust
during the toughest times,

00:23:22.412 --> 00:23:25.601
and for all those quiet,
everyday efforts

00:23:25.684 --> 00:23:28.601
made by our colleagues
and fellow citizens

00:23:28.684 --> 00:23:31.697
that never make the headlines,

00:23:32.016 --> 00:23:36.322
but are actually
what holds our country together.

00:23:37.466 --> 00:23:41.223
I know that the changes, and there
have been many, have been difficult,

00:23:41.306 --> 00:23:45.223
and that they often didn't happen
as quickly as we would have liked.

00:23:45.306 --> 00:23:49.139
I, too, would have liked
things to move faster.

00:23:49.447 --> 00:23:52.582
But we don't measure
mature politics solely by promises,

00:23:52.665 --> 00:23:54.789
much less by the speed
of those promises,

00:23:54.872 --> 00:23:59.601
but above all by whether
actions are actually carried out,

00:23:59.684 --> 00:24:03.843
and whether those actions
lead to solid results.

00:24:04.628 --> 00:24:08.810
Therefore, a big thank you
to all members of civil protection,

00:24:08.893 --> 00:24:13.501
firefighters, the police,
the military, healthcare workers,

00:24:13.584 --> 00:24:17.306
social services,
mayors, municipalities,

00:24:17.390 --> 00:24:20.835
the business community,
labour unions, NGOs,

00:24:20.918 --> 00:24:25.851
farmers, educators, cultural
workers, athletes, and volunteers.

00:24:25.934 --> 00:24:29.437
In times of crisis
and even during crises,

00:24:29.521 --> 00:24:31.995
it has become clear
that Slovenia's strength

00:24:32.078 --> 00:24:35.401
lies above all in its people.
Institutions are important too,

00:24:35.484 --> 00:24:38.734
but it's people
who make the difference,

00:24:39.206 --> 00:24:42.594
and who know how to
come together time and again

00:24:42.677 --> 00:24:44.843
when it's most needed.

00:24:45.562 --> 00:24:47.646
Thank you to all citizens

00:24:48.094 --> 00:24:52.104
for everything you have
carried with us over these years.

00:24:52.187 --> 00:24:55.909
Uncertainty, change,
moments of crisis, joys,

00:24:56.049 --> 00:24:59.929
and above all,
responsibility for the common good.

00:25:00.012 --> 00:25:03.607
Because of you, Slovenia is not
just a state or an institution,

00:25:03.690 --> 00:25:05.507
but a community of people

00:25:05.590 --> 00:25:08.696
who know how to
always stay connected.

00:25:10.128 --> 00:25:12.879
After four years,
Slovenia is a country

00:25:12.962 --> 00:25:15.796
that can stand
on its own two feet.

00:25:16.165 --> 00:25:18.131
Good people live here.

00:25:18.215 --> 00:25:21.623
We have excellent expertise,
a strong community,

00:25:21.706 --> 00:25:24.206
and above all, a clear future.

00:25:24.525 --> 00:25:28.354
In this uncertain world,
Slovenia has maintained stability

00:25:28.437 --> 00:25:30.270
and is a safe country.

00:25:30.877 --> 00:25:34.266
This is the greatest legacy
responsible politics

00:25:34.349 --> 00:25:37.033
can leave behind.

00:25:38.234 --> 00:25:39.914
Good luck, Slovenia!

00:25:40.574 --> 00:25:45.574
Thank you, Prime Minister.
Dear journalists, please go ahead.

00:25:46.555 --> 00:25:51.575
Anže Božič, Pop TV. I have
three questions for you, Mr. Golob,

00:25:51.658 --> 00:25:56.497
one of them may relate to Mr. Mesec,
and one for you, Mr. Boštjančič.

00:25:56.580 --> 00:26:01.271
Mr. Golob, the ministers
of Janša's next government

00:26:01.355 --> 00:26:04.212
will be confirmed tomorrow,
they seem to have the majority.

00:26:04.295 --> 00:26:07.087
You participated in the Committee
on Foreign Policy yesterday.

00:26:07.170 --> 00:26:09.290
You debated
the future foreign minister.

00:26:09.373 --> 00:26:11.700
I'm interested
in your overall assessment

00:26:11.783 --> 00:26:13.409
of the future ministerial team

00:26:13.492 --> 00:26:17.905
and perhaps the biggest
turning points you expect.

00:26:18.364 --> 00:26:23.203
Secondly, a rather sharp controversy
developed in parliament

00:26:23.286 --> 00:26:26.995
during these debates
or ministerial hearings,

00:26:27.283 --> 00:26:32.792
and Stevanović made a rather
harsh remark about your female MPs,

00:26:32.876 --> 00:26:36.825
suggesting that certain
Freedom female MPs behave

00:26:36.908 --> 00:26:40.414
so promiscuously
it's a joy to watch.

00:26:40.498 --> 00:26:42.556
Please comment
on this as well.

00:26:42.639 --> 00:26:45.199
I'm also interested in

00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:48.702
the point regarding
the lawsuit against South Africa,

00:26:48.785 --> 00:26:50.386
where it turned out,

00:26:50.469 --> 00:26:53.506
based on information
obtained through public records,

00:26:53.589 --> 00:26:57.042
that you were initially in favour,
then against it. Why the reversal?

00:26:57.125 --> 00:27:00.083
This is also a question
for Mr. Mesec.

00:27:00.166 --> 00:27:02.886
Mr. Boštjančič,
what do you expect

00:27:02.969 --> 00:27:08.469
from the European Commission's
assessment of the excessive deficit?

00:27:09.613 --> 00:27:11.213
Prime Minister.

00:27:11.716 --> 00:27:13.767
As for the assessment
of the future government,

00:27:13.850 --> 00:27:18.683
the vote on it is tomorrow, and I'll
also be giving my presentation.

00:27:18.766 --> 00:27:23.849
We have heard a great deal
from the candidates in recent days.

00:27:23.933 --> 00:27:28.683
I very much hope that
the candidates will keep their word.

00:27:29.075 --> 00:27:31.695
I was present
at the Committee on Foreign Policy,

00:27:31.778 --> 00:27:33.379
of which I'm a member,

00:27:33.462 --> 00:27:36.791
and I expect the new minister

00:27:36.875 --> 00:27:39.888
to uphold
his principles and credibility,

00:27:39.971 --> 00:27:42.404
which he presented
and defended yesterday,

00:27:42.487 --> 00:27:46.014
especially credibility regarding
respect for international law

00:27:46.097 --> 00:27:49.255
and human rights,
in the new government as well.

00:27:49.338 --> 00:27:53.596
I already said yesterday that
he will likely not have an easy job,

00:27:53.679 --> 00:27:58.902
but I believe he will be able to
carry out his duties appropriately,

00:27:58.985 --> 00:28:01.235
as was presented yesterday.

00:28:02.741 --> 00:28:08.772
I will not comment on the vulgarity
of individual members of parliament,

00:28:09.022 --> 00:28:15.281
but I will say right now that those
who feel offended by this vulgarity

00:28:15.365 --> 00:28:18.398
will most likely initiate
appropriate proceedings,

00:28:18.481 --> 00:28:21.491
and the Freedom Movement
will fully support them in this.

00:28:21.574 --> 00:28:25.741
So far, only one person
has indulged in such speech

00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:29.017
and has had to defend
himself in court for it.

00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:32.995
It seems that bad habits
are quickly catching on

00:28:33.078 --> 00:28:35.235
among new members
of parliament.

00:28:35.318 --> 00:28:38.042
It's right that they be
held accountable for them.

00:28:38.125 --> 00:28:41.391
As for the lawsuit,
I don't understand

00:28:41.475 --> 00:28:45.251
at what point someone
was supposed to change their mind.

00:28:45.334 --> 00:28:48.264
What has become clear, and
what we've been saying all along,

00:28:48.347 --> 00:28:52.359
is that at this point there were
differing views,

00:28:52.443 --> 00:28:55.060
and I've said this myself.
On the one hand,

00:28:55.143 --> 00:28:59.512
our hearts wanted us
to join this lawsuit.

00:28:59.956 --> 00:29:03.003
Political reality led us

00:29:03.213 --> 00:29:05.611
to ultimately adopt
the resolution as it was.

00:29:05.694 --> 00:29:08.113
I abstained from the vote.

00:29:08.253 --> 00:29:12.010
Precisely because I didn't want
to influence the ministers

00:29:12.093 --> 00:29:16.320
who voted according to their
conscience when all the positions,

00:29:16.403 --> 00:29:22.320
which sometimes conflicted with one
another, had been presented to them.

00:29:23.356 --> 00:29:27.695
Yes, regarding the lawsuit filed
by the Republic of South Africa,

00:29:27.778 --> 00:29:30.907
the Left Party has always
been very clear on this.

00:29:30.990 --> 00:29:35.115
We supported the need
to join this lawsuit

00:29:35.597 --> 00:29:40.076
and the idea that Israel must be held
accountable for the genocide in Gaza,

00:29:40.159 --> 00:29:42.889
and that remains
our firm position.

00:29:42.972 --> 00:29:48.400
As far as what the Info 360 portal
writes today,

00:29:49.053 --> 00:29:51.663
we've explained this many times
in pre-election debates.

00:29:51.746 --> 00:29:53.883
I have nothing new
to say on this,

00:29:53.966 --> 00:29:57.911
and it's primarily
a matter of political insinuations

00:29:57.994 --> 00:30:02.670
that the Left Party has changed
its mind on this. It has not.

00:30:02.753 --> 00:30:05.587
I would like to add
one more thing.

00:30:06.891 --> 00:30:11.341
Our government was the one
that recognized Palestine.

00:30:12.769 --> 00:30:17.113
Our government was the one
that imposed sanctions

00:30:17.197 --> 00:30:20.416
not only against Israel
as a state,

00:30:20.572 --> 00:30:24.198
but also against specific individuals
in the Israeli government

00:30:24.281 --> 00:30:27.720
who bear the greatest
responsibility for the crimes

00:30:27.803 --> 00:30:31.589
taking place both in Gaza
and in the West Bank.

00:30:31.672 --> 00:30:35.510
I already told the new minister
of foreign affairs yesterday

00:30:35.593 --> 00:30:40.183
that I expect the future government
to abide by international law as well.

00:30:40.266 --> 00:30:43.205
If they do,
then none of the decisions

00:30:43.288 --> 00:30:47.121
we have made in our government
will be changed.

00:30:47.303 --> 00:30:51.004
I think that's when
it will become clear what is true

00:30:51.087 --> 00:30:54.790
and what is just
empty words or manipulation

00:30:54.874 --> 00:31:00.465
of the future government
during the election campaign.

00:31:00.549 --> 00:31:04.549
Now it's time for them
to show their true colours.

00:31:06.602 --> 00:31:08.221
Klemen.

00:31:08.305 --> 00:31:11.810
Yes, regarding the issue
of the excessive deficit,

00:31:11.893 --> 00:31:14.590
I don't expect anything special.

00:31:14.674 --> 00:31:17.609
We've been transparent
with the European Commission

00:31:17.692 --> 00:31:19.489
throughout our communications.

00:31:19.572 --> 00:31:24.786
We've provided explanations
within the deadlines.

00:31:24.995 --> 00:31:30.754
Even after 1 May, I personally
wrote to the European Commissioner

00:31:30.838 --> 00:31:34.996
and explained the measures
this government has adopted

00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:41.154
to stabilize the budget
within the planned deficit.

00:31:41.498 --> 00:31:45.202
At the same time we also
pointed out this intervention act

00:31:45.285 --> 00:31:48.564
which currently
has an uncertain future.

00:31:48.648 --> 00:31:52.118
The effects of this
have not been taken into account.

00:31:52.201 --> 00:31:57.689
I don't expect
any surprises today

00:31:57.773 --> 00:32:00.801
from the European Commission.

00:32:00.885 --> 00:32:06.219
Just as I have been predicting
for the past few weeks and months,

00:32:06.445 --> 00:32:10.803
if this government were to remain in
office, it would absolutely ensure

00:32:10.886 --> 00:32:15.283
that the budget, in terms
of the deficit percentage,

00:32:15.914 --> 00:32:18.330
would be as planned or lower.

00:32:19.895 --> 00:32:22.312
Thank you.
Next question. STA.

00:32:22.607 --> 00:32:24.445
Lara Draškovič, STA.

00:32:24.614 --> 00:32:29.145
Ahead of tomorrow's
vote on the cabinet,

00:32:29.229 --> 00:32:32.889
Mr. Golob, Mr. Mesec,
as party leaders,

00:32:33.017 --> 00:32:36.374
what level of support do you
predict for the cabinet?

00:32:36.457 --> 00:32:38.641
Has it already become clear

00:32:38.724 --> 00:32:42.093
who was the deciding 51st vote
within the outgoing coalition?

00:32:42.176 --> 00:32:44.156
What do you expect tomorrow?

00:32:44.239 --> 00:32:47.599
Wow unified will
this outgoing government trio be

00:32:47.682 --> 00:32:50.012
now that you're moving
into the opposition?

00:32:50.095 --> 00:32:53.312
The ministers from the SD
were not at today's session,

00:32:53.395 --> 00:32:56.971
your parties also have
differing positions in some areas,

00:32:57.054 --> 00:33:01.390
such as NATO membership.
Where will you act in unison,

00:33:01.473 --> 00:33:04.983
where might each party
go its own way,

00:33:05.067 --> 00:33:10.617
and will each party
discuss with Mr. Janša

00:33:10.701 --> 00:33:12.899
the signing
of the development partnership,

00:33:12.982 --> 00:33:17.119
which he has already announced
he will offer to the opposition?

00:33:17.202 --> 00:33:19.936
I'll probably start
with that last one.

00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:23.601
No, we don't believe
in the sincerity of such intentions.

00:33:23.684 --> 00:33:27.164
We believe only in actions,
and the actions of this coalition

00:33:27.247 --> 00:33:29.598
are reflected
in the acts it has passed.

00:33:29.681 --> 00:33:31.695
None of the acts
passed so far are such

00:33:31.778 --> 00:33:34.070
that we could
support them in any way,

00:33:34.153 --> 00:33:37.058
and for that reason, we also
don't believe in the sincerity

00:33:37.141 --> 00:33:39.391
of the partnership offered.

00:33:39.532 --> 00:33:44.976
As for voting, we don't concern
ourselves with who was the 51st,

00:33:45.060 --> 00:33:48.939
because we're convinced it was
no one from the Freedom Movement.

00:33:49.022 --> 00:33:51.052
I believe it's similar
in the Left Party.

00:33:51.135 --> 00:33:53.718
You'll have to ask
someone else.

00:33:53.919 --> 00:33:56.991
As for work
in the National Assembly,

00:33:58.222 --> 00:34:02.136
I think we need to be
very honest with the voters.

00:34:02.219 --> 00:34:05.022
The current coalition,

00:34:05.344 --> 00:34:08.842
which claims it isn't a coalition
but in reality functions as one,

00:34:08.925 --> 00:34:13.192
has a very stable majority,
backed by the Resni.ca party.

00:34:13.275 --> 00:34:15.512
I believe this will remain
the case for some time,

00:34:15.595 --> 00:34:20.929
and they're acting accordingly.
We must get used to this as well.

00:34:21.087 --> 00:34:22.819
We can't expect miracles,

00:34:22.902 --> 00:34:27.152
but that doesn't mean
we will not only point out

00:34:27.465 --> 00:34:31.014
every action of theirs
that is detrimental to Slovenia,

00:34:31.097 --> 00:34:35.323
but also do everything in our power
to prevent its implementation.

00:34:35.406 --> 00:34:37.820
That's why I'm announcing now

00:34:37.903 --> 00:34:40.485
that we'll be very active
in the opposition,

00:34:40.568 --> 00:34:43.207
both in filing reviews
with the Constitutional Court

00:34:43.290 --> 00:34:47.290
when we assess
that individual acts do not comply

00:34:47.828 --> 00:34:51.679
with our constitutional order,
and in challenging acts

00:34:51.762 --> 00:34:55.751
that infringe upon the interests of
the people and the good of the state

00:34:55.834 --> 00:34:57.435
through referendums.

00:34:57.518 --> 00:35:01.485
This is the mechanism available
to us as the opposition. Why?

00:35:01.568 --> 00:35:06.152
Because as long as the coalition
acts without principle,

00:35:06.265 --> 00:35:09.853
the opposition's
primary means of action

00:35:10.118 --> 00:35:13.035
is to appeal
to the people directly.

00:35:13.506 --> 00:35:17.960
That's what we'll do every day,
persistently and resolutely.

00:35:18.043 --> 00:35:21.173
This doesn't end with
the election of the government,

00:35:21.256 --> 00:35:25.013
rather, it only begins with
the election of a new government.

00:35:25.096 --> 00:35:26.696
Luka.

00:35:27.199 --> 00:35:28.799
Yes.

00:35:29.890 --> 00:35:33.923
As the Prime Minister has said,
you will not find the joker

00:35:34.006 --> 00:35:38.501
who cast the 51st vote
for Janez Janša among our ranks.

00:35:38.584 --> 00:35:44.371
As far as the so-called development
partnership is concerned,

00:35:44.899 --> 00:35:46.812
our main challenge is

00:35:46.896 --> 00:35:51.734
that we fundamentally disagree
with the future coalition

00:35:52.077 --> 00:35:53.748
on the direction of development

00:35:53.831 --> 00:35:56.176
and on what development
actually means.

00:35:56.259 --> 00:35:58.753
As a government,
we have demonstrated

00:35:58.836 --> 00:36:03.843
that the welfare state and economic
development can go hand in hand,

00:36:03.926 --> 00:36:06.553
that we can simultaneously
build up the welfare state

00:36:06.636 --> 00:36:10.954
through long-term care, housing
policy, pension system reform,

00:36:11.037 --> 00:36:14.103
and so on,
and grow the economy.

00:36:14.187 --> 00:36:16.633
This is the kind of development
we believe in.

00:36:16.716 --> 00:36:20.873
The future coalition believes
in a quite different development.

00:36:20.956 --> 00:36:25.207
Handing over public healthcare
to private contractors,

00:36:25.290 --> 00:36:29.956
handing over housing to those
who rent it out via Airbnb,

00:36:31.182 --> 00:36:36.182
and eliminating or pushing
unions out of the social dialogue.

00:36:36.502 --> 00:36:39.807
Those are only
this government's first moves.

00:36:39.890 --> 00:36:41.794
We don't believe
in such development.

00:36:41.877 --> 00:36:45.163
This is the dismantling
of the welfare state as we know it.

00:36:45.246 --> 00:36:49.544
And in this, they can't count
on our support in any way.

00:36:49.627 --> 00:36:51.481
On the contrary,
I firmly believe,

00:36:51.564 --> 00:36:54.240
and this is the answer
to the third part of your question,

00:36:54.323 --> 00:36:56.900
that among the three parties
within the opposition,

00:36:56.983 --> 00:36:58.983
despite our differences,

00:36:59.521 --> 00:37:04.902
there is a high degree
of alignment on values,

00:37:05.339 --> 00:37:07.469
which we also demonstrated
as a government,

00:37:07.552 --> 00:37:11.253
that is, agreement on
what is good and what is bad.

00:37:11.336 --> 00:37:15.122
I believe that, when it comes to
defending the welfare state,

00:37:15.205 --> 00:37:20.393
public health, and democratic
principles and standards,

00:37:20.477 --> 00:37:23.310
we will act
as a united opposition.

00:37:23.970 --> 00:37:27.821
Thank you. Go ahead.
-Marko Valadžija, N1 Slovenia.

00:37:27.904 --> 00:37:30.199
Two questions for you,
Prime Minister.

00:37:30.282 --> 00:37:35.257
How will the handover of duties
take place tomorrow evening

00:37:35.341 --> 00:37:37.718
after the vote
in the National Assembly

00:37:37.801 --> 00:37:40.508
with the new Prime Minister,
Janez Janša.

00:37:40.591 --> 00:37:44.387
If I'm not mistaken, there were
no ministers from the SD party

00:37:44.470 --> 00:37:48.218
at today's cabinet meeting. Why?
How do you comment on that?

00:37:48.301 --> 00:37:50.708
You're here
with the Deputy Prime Ministers,

00:37:50.791 --> 00:37:55.752
but we were expecting the third
coalition party to be here as well.

00:37:55.835 --> 00:37:59.720
Thank you. -You'll have
to ask them about that.

00:37:59.804 --> 00:38:02.805
The ministers apologized
due to other commitments,

00:38:02.888 --> 00:38:05.140
the Deputy Prime Minister
is abroad.

00:38:05.223 --> 00:38:07.790
For more details,
please contact them.

00:38:07.873 --> 00:38:11.051
But I wouldn't read
too much into it.

00:38:11.566 --> 00:38:13.483
Regarding the handover,

00:38:13.866 --> 00:38:15.616
we've done it before.

00:38:15.904 --> 00:38:20.904
We'll do it again, and I believe
this won't be the last time.

00:38:22.348 --> 00:38:25.554
Anyone else
before we wrap up?

00:38:26.332 --> 00:38:30.205
Dear journalists, thank you
very much for being here.

00:38:30.288 --> 00:38:33.591
Have a nice and successful
rest of the day.

00:38:33.674 --> 00:38:35.424
Thank you.
-Thank you.