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This summary is provided by the STA:
Curve of infections keeps falling amid massive testing
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 1,439 new coronavirus cases among a record of more than 44,500 tests performed on Tuesday amid increased requirements for mass rapid testing among several occupations. With the daily count down almost 8% from a week ago, the 7-day average of new cases dropped to 827. With hospitalisations dropping to 864, the government is expected to opt for further easing of measures as it meets to review the situation today. With 13 more fatalities, Slovenia's Covid-19 death toll rose to 3,667.
Centre-left opposition retables motion of no confidence in govt
LJUBLJANA - The five left-leaning opposition parties submitted again a motion for a vote of no confidence in the government of Janez Janša, with Karl Erjavec, the head of the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), as candidate for prime-minister designate. In line with the parliamentary rules of procedure, the National Assembly could discuss and take a vote on the motion as early as Friday, and not later than 17 February. The most probable date is Monday.
Parliamentary inquiry act ruled unconstitutional
LJUBLJANA - The Constitutional Court announced that the parliamentary inquiry act and rules of procedure on parliamentary inquiry are in violation of the constitution. The National Assembly has been instructed to remedy the situation in a year. An inquiry into prosecution of former Maribor Mayor Franc Kangler has been annulled in relation to judges. The court ruled the act ordering that inquiry in violation of judicial independence in relation to judges' decisions and liabilities in concrete cases.
No majority in parliament for remote secret ballot
LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Rules of Procedure Commission voted down on Tuesday the opposition-sponsored legislative changes to the parliamentary rules of procedure that would allow MPs to take part in secret ballots when they cannot be present at the National Assembly in person. Voting against were the four MPs of the coalition Democrats (SDS) and New Slovenia (NSi). The proposal, tabled by the centre-left Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Social Democrats (SD), Left and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB), required a two-thirds majority.
Finance Committee amends bill on Demographic Fund
LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Finance Committee adopted a series of amendments to the National Demographic Fund bill, mostly based on remarks from the parliamentary legal service. Among other things, the STA would become a part of the fund. The centre-left opposition walked out after its amendments, which would change the basic concept of the fund, were voted down. They proposed a public debate on the bill arguing it was being passed without debate on the Economic and Social Council, and that criticism by the anti-graft commission and an association of supervisors had been overheard. The opposition is also considering a referendum.
Počivalšek apologetic after holding meeting in a restaurant
LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek offered an apology after raising controversy for meeting local officials and business executives in a restaurant in Ormož. He said the "meeting was lawful, justified and very useful, but it was also an inconsiderate move in these difficult times". In the apology, published on his Facebook profile, the minister said the last thing on his mind was "rubbing salt into the wounds of those who have been hit hard by the coronavirus epidemic".
NIJZ official expects Slovenia to have 5% of population vaccinated by month's end
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia currently has 2% of its population vaccinated against coronavirus and if the supply of vaccines continues at current pace, 5% of the population could be vaccinated by the end of the month, said Marta Grgič Vitek, the coordinator of the vaccination programme at the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). The vaccination of people older than 80 continues throughout the country today, including in Ljubljana and Ajdovščina. In some towns, like Kranj and Nova Gorica, new batches of the vaccine have not arrived yet and are expected on Thursday.
Issue raised with provision asking individuals to state ethnicity and religion
LJUBLJANA - The Information Commissioner took issue with the parliamentary Home Affairs Committee including in changes to the residence registration act a provision requiring individuals to provide information about their ethnicity and religious affiliation when reporting their residence. An amendment to that effect had been proposed by the opposition National Party (SNS). Information Commissioner Mojca Prelesnik called it a severe encroachment upon privacy of individuals and a risk of discrimination.
Pahor welcomes Mattarella's statement on Foibe Day
LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor welcomed the statement by his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella on Italy's National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe, saying it was in the spirit of last year's reconciliation ceremony in Basovizza and Trieste. Mattarella said every community preserves the memory of its most difficult tests and its own historical convictions, adding that dialogue and friendship between people and cultures originates from mutual understanding.
Police strike suspended
LJUBLJANA - A month-long strike by one of the two trade unions representing police officers was suspended for the duration of negotiations after the government agreed to continue paying a bonus for the protection of the Schengen border. The news was announced by the Police Trade Union of Slovenia (PSS), which said the extension of the special bonus through the end of March created "good conditions for peaceful negotiations".
Drago Jančar nominated for Nobel Prize in Literature
LJUBLJANA - Drago Jančar, arguably Slovenia's leading contemporary writer, has been nominated for this year's Nobel Prize in Literature. He was nominated by the Slovenian Writers' Association (DSP), the Slovenian PEN centre and the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU). In recent years, Jančar has been alternating with Boris Pahor as Slovenian candidate for the prize. "But now we estimate that Jančar is our representative and author best known in the world," DSP head Dušan Merc said.
Absent negative test, Minister Hojs denied entry to Croatia
LJUBLJANA - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs, accompanied by his mother, was denied entry to Croatia on Monday. Neither he nor his mother had a negative coronavirus test and given the choice between mandatory quarantine or turning around, he decided to return, news portal 24ur has reported. Hojs says he did not break any rules. He told 24ur that his mother has real estate in Croatia so they wanted to go there to pay the bills. He said he also wanted to check how consistently Croatia is vetting passengers.
Adria Airways brand sold abroad for EUR 33,000
BRNIK - The brand of the bankrupt Slovenian air carrier Adria Airways has been sold to a bidder from abroad for just over EUR 33,000 net in the third attempt to sell the brand. Announcing the news, the official receiver Janez Pustatičnik would not name the bidder. Nine bidders responded to the public invitation for binding bids, including four from abroad, Pustatičnik said. The Adria Airways brand includes several registered trade marks, logos and online domains.
Industry contracted in 2020 after six years of growth
LJUBLJANA - Industrial output in Slovenia contracted by 6.2% in 2020 after six successive years of growth. Turnover in industry was down by 7.8%, the Statistics Office reported. In electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industrial output was down by 9.6%, in manufacturing by 6.0% and in mining and quarrying by 3%. In December, industrial output was 0.7% lower than in November and fell by 0.9% year-on-year.
Biathlon World Championships start on Pokljuka
POKLJUKA - The 2021 Biathlon World Championships started on the Alpine plateau of Pokljuka in earnest with competitions in what is the biggest winter sports event in Slovenia yet. Running until 21 February, the event will feature 337 competitors from 38 countries. The championships opened with a virtual opening ceremony in the lakeside resort of Bled on Tuesday. A total of 12 events are scheduled with the home team expecting at least one of the medals, according to Janez Ožbolt of the Slovenian Ski Association.
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