Instructions issued as epidemiologists overwhelmed
LJUBLJANA - As epidemiologists are no longer able to contact all persons with a confirmed coronavirus infection due to the steep increase in cases, the health authorities have issued special instructions. Nuška Čakš Jager of the National Institute of Public Health said a web portal would be launched where persons with a confirmed infection can get a code to activate the exposure notification app.
Rail operator supervisors confirm strategic partnership with Czech holding
LJUBLJANA - The supervisory board of rail operator Slovenske Železnice endorsed a strategic partnership with the Prague-based EP Holding in the cargo and logistics segment. The details of the deal have not been revealed beyond the company saying that a joint venture will be formed in which Slovenske Železnice will have a 51% stake and EP Holding 49%. Initial plans involved the strategic partner acquiring a 49% stake in the cargo division SŽ - Tovorni Promet. The deal still has to be endorsed by the Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH).
Three coalition parties invited to talks on alternative government
LJUBLJANA - Three junior coalition parties have been invited to join talks on the formation of an alternative government, after the original four opposition members of the Constitutional Arch Coalition reportedly reached a consensus on core priorities, said Jože P. Damijan, who offered himself as prime minister of such an alternative government. The SMC said it would make its position clear soon. The NSi said they intended to engage in talks since dialogue is always important. DeSUS said they would talk with Damijan.
People mostly comply with restrictions, inspectors find
LJUBLJANA - In the week since the fifth set of coronavirus legislative changes took effect, the number of inspectors checking compliance with a variety of restrictions has increased. Not only has this power been given to several inspection services, but also the police. In general, people are abiding by the rules, according to the Health Inspectorate. The Health Inspectorate conducted 1,420 inspections last week, issuing 141 fines to the tune of EUR 68,400, the bulk, EUR 36,800, for violations of restrictions in public outdoor spaces.
Luka Koper does not see investments in neighbouring ports as threat
KOPER - Port operator Luka Koper said the arrival of the operator of the Hamburg port to neighbouring Trieste and the interest of major logistics players in the Rijeka port was a recognition of the increasing importance of the southern transport route through the Adriatic, but did not present a serious threat to Koper's strategic status. "It is in the interest of all ports in the region that we increase our capabilities and strengthen our competitiveness in relation to the ports in Northern Europe," the company said.
New director appointed at Slovenian Research Agency
LJUBLJANA - The government appointed Robert Repnik, a professor of physics, director of the Slovenian Research Agency, the body in charge of disbursing public funding for scientific research. His term is five years. Repnik is a professor of physics at the University of Maribor's Faculty of Science and Mathematics. His research focuses on the physics of liquid crystals and didactics in physics.
Financial aid available to farmers hit by epidemic
LJUBLJANA - The government adopted a regulation extending aid to farmers who have been unable to deliver their goods due to the Covid-19 epidemic. Up to EUR 7,000 is available for individual farmers and up to EUR 50,000 for small and medium-sized agri-food companies. The aid will be a one-off payment under the Rural Development Programme.
Healthcare to get additional EUR 20m in EU funds to fight Covid
LJUBLJANA - The Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has increased EU-approved funds for treating Covid-19 patients by EUR 20 million. EUR 59 million in EU funds will thus be allocated for medical and personal protective equipment. The increase announced is a result of the worsening epidemiological situation.
Support expressed for protesters in Poland
LJUBLJANA - A small group of young activists staged a protest in front of the Polish embassy to express their support for demonstrators in Poland protesting over the top court's ruling to ban nearly all abortions. Due to coronavirus restrictions, only five members of the Youth Activist Organisation (MAO) gathered. They set up a cord to hang wire clothes hangers on it, a symbol of the danger of illegal abortions.
Stories from the Chestnut Woods Slovenia's candidate for Oscars race
LJUBLJANA - Stories from the Chestnut Woods, an award-winning debut by director Gregor Božič, has been selected by a group of experts as Slovenia's submission for a nomination for best international feature film award at the 93rd Oscars, set to be held on 25 April 2021. The Union of the Associations of Slovenian Filmmakers believes the film captures a timeless, almost archetypal spirit of Benečija, an area in eastern Italy populated by ethnic Slovenians.
