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This summary is provided by the STA:
PM expects profound societal change as result of pandemic
LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša made the case for unorthodox policies to battle the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic as he sent out a message on Labour Day. He said "far-reaching change in our thinking" will be required and only countries capable of thinking outside the box will be successful. He suggested tax and social systems will have to be reformed, which would include consideration of universal basic income.
In Labour Day message, president highlights role of state
LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor emphasised the important role of the state as evident in the ongoing response to the coronavirus epidemic, as he delivered a Labour Day address. The state "does not exist merely to have an army or police. It is also a welfare state, a state governed by the rule of law. All these foundations are important to preserving elements of justice, the sense of equality," he said. Pahor also said social dialogue was important in these times.
Opening of border with Italy to proceed cautiously
TRIESTE, Italy - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said the relaxation of controls on the Slovenian-Italian border would be gradual as Slovenia keeps a close eye on how the coronavirus epidemic unfolds in Italy. "Controls remain, and they are in no way directed against Italy and against Italian nationals. But we have to be very careful and take account of the difficult situation in Italy and at the same time the situation [in Slovenia]," he told Primorski Dnevnik.
Lenarčič sees need for greater EU role in health, civil protection
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Janez Lenarčič, the Slovenian EU commissioner in charge of crisis management, believes the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for the EU to play a greater role in health and civil protection. He plans to propose that the Commission directly order equipment for the strategic European stockpile, even as he acknowledges that he does not know whether the proposal will be accepted.
Hundreds turn out for bicycle protest against government
LJUBLJANA - Hundreds of cyclists took to the streets of Ljubljana accusing the government of curtailing civil liberties in what was the latest in a series of protests targeting the government's anti-coronavirus policies. The rally was organised by twenty-odd self-organised groups and civil society organisations on Facebook as the latest incarnation of a protest series that started with protests at home and on balconies.
LGBT+ community losing safe spaces due to coronavirus
LJUBLJANA - LGBT+ rights NGOs acknowledge that preventive measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 are necessary but also warn that lockdown restrictions have resulted in the loss of safe spaces. "The closure of physical social spaces is definitely restricting safe spaces available to LGBTI persons. Most notably that affects those who have had to return to homophobic, biphobic and transphobic environments, Lana Gobec, the head of the Legebitra NGO, told the STA.
Slovenia receives Chinese donation of PPE
BRNIK - Slovenia received 12 tonnes of protective personal equipment, an official donation from China, the Foreign Ministry said. The shipment contained 30,000 N95 masks, 700,000 surgical masks, 20,000 protective overalls, 10,000 goggles and 30,000 gloves.
Slovenian priest names apostolic nuncio to Iraq
VATICAN CITY - Mitja Leskovar, a Slovenian priest who has been with the Vatican's diplomatic service for nearly two decades, has been appointed the apostolic nuncio to Iraq. At the same time, Pope Francis raised Leskovar to the titular See of Beneventum, conferring upon him the dignity of archbishop, Vatican News reported on Friday.
Commissioner, minister discuss safety of journalists
LJUBLJANA - EU Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova talked about the safety of journalists with Slovenian Interior Minister Aleš Hojs on Friday, after Jourova had contacted Slovenian authorities over media freedom situation in the country. Hojs assured Jourova that "concern for safety, for journalists and all other citizens, is our priority." Jourova tweeted that "We will continue dialogue, and I will continue to follow situation very closely."
Coronavirus death toll hits 93, just five new infections
LJUBLJANA - The coronavirus death toll in Slovenia hit 93 on as two more persons died. The number of new infections rose by just five, the lowest daily gain since 19 April, for a total of 1,434, the latest government data showed.
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