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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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Ban on travel outside of home municipality lifted

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian residents were again free to travel to places other than their own municipality of residence after the government lifted a ban put in place a month ago to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The restriction confining people to their home municipality except to go to work, seek emergency services or offer assistance to relatives was introduced a month ago to stop the spread of coronavirus epidemic around the country and has been one of the most unpopular government measures. It was relaxed once already to allow people to do seasonal and maintenance work on property outside their home municipality, and now it has been removed from the general lockdown decree issued by the government. Opposition parties welcomed the easing but at the same time expressed doubt as to whether it was based on expert advice and data.

Nursing homes open to visitors again

LJUBLJANA - Nursing homes, hotspots of the coronavirus epidemic, received permission from the government to open to visitors again subject to strict protective measures. Janez Cigler Kralj, the minister in charge of social affairs, said the government was guided by good epidemic figures and the stress the elderly are subjected to without visitors. Nursing homes said they would start admitting visitors next week. visitors will have to make an appointment in advance, and upon entering the retirement home, give a statement that they have been in good health over the past two weeks and that they have not been in contact with an infected person.

Lenarčič: Commission does not have masks stashed away in basement

BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič rejected criticism from Slovenia that he failed to provide protective equipment to his home country. "The European Commission doesn't have masks or any other protective equipment. We don't have a secret storage in the basement of Berlaymont to keep a stockpile of protective masks, gloves or suits," Lenarčič said in an interview with Brussels correspondents. The situation is changing somewhat with the establishment of European strategic stockpiles, but only based on the experience that the civil protection mechanism has not been enough in the coronavirus crisis, something that no one knew in advance.

Pahor meets Visegrad Group ambassadors

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor discussed Slovenia's cooperation with the group, the Covid-19 pandemic and the EU's future as he received the ambassadors of the Visegrad Group accredited to Slovenia. Pahor, who described Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland as Slovenia's "natural allies", stressed Slovenia was part of the core EU countries but would in these times like to see more French-German cooperation. As for Visegrad, he said "the fact that we do not see eye to eye on everything does not mean we do not advocate the same goal - a stronger and more closely united EU which should not witness new divisions between its west and east."

Pahor and Honey mark Slovenia-UK Friendship Day

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor and UK Ambassador to Slovenia Sophie Honey pointed to the role of cooperation in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic as they marked Slovenia-UK Friendship Day. Pahor stressed that Slovenian-UK friendship is based on courage and humanity, which enables the two countries to build confident and multi-faceted relations, as he hosted the ambassador for a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace. He said the relations had been developing all along, but particularly intensively after Slovenia gained independence and joined the EU and NATO.

Path cleared for immediate promulgation of stimulus laws

LJUBLJANA - Economic stimulus measures that the National Assembly passed earlier this week may be promulgated immediately after MPs on Thursday confirmed a government motion shielding the laws from referendum. The move is in line with amendments to the act governing referenda that were passed in a cross-partisan vote on 7 April and effectively prevent referendums on emergency measures adopted for reasons of defence and security, and to mitigate consequences of natural disasters. This means that such laws no longer have to be on hold for seven days before they may be promulgated by the president of the republic, a window in which legislation is normally open to potential referendum challenges.

Wednesday's tests confirm 11 new Covid-19 cases, death toll up by two to 91

LJUBLJANA - The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Slovenia increased to 1,429 on Wednesday, as 11 more people tested positive. Two persons died, bringing the total death toll in the country to 91, the government said. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals decreased by 12 more to 63, of whom 22 were in intensive care, three fewer than on Tuesday. More than 52,000 tests have been performed in Slovenia so far. The testing also included 1,291 samples taken in the random testing campaign which was launched on 20 April and whose results are to be presented after the holiday.

Slovenia's debt to rise above 80% of GDP this year

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's general government debt is estimated to rise to 82.4% by the end of the year from 66.1% in 2019, according to reports that the government will submit to the EU. The figure was revealed as the government adopted on Thursday the Stability Programme and the National Reform Programme, annual documents that eurozone members are required to present under a set of rules known as the European Semester. The government says that both documents focus on action that Slovenia is taking to combat the coronavirus epidemic and have been prepared in a period of great uncertainty.

Calls for keeping stores closed Sundays backed by PM

LJUBLJANA - It seems increasingly likely that the closure of stores, including groceries, on Sundays as a result of the coronavirus epidemic will become a permanent arrangement after the crisis. A legislative initiative to this effect, announced by the opposition Left, was backed by PM Janez Janša. In announcing the legislative proposal, the Left joined the Trade Union of Retail, which argued ahead of Labour Day in favour of keeping stores closed on Sundays and bank holidays also after the epidemic. The Left pointed out that voters had already decided in a referendum in 2003 that stores should be closed on Sundays but were ignored later under pressure from retailers.

Employers seek state aid for more than 321,000 workers

LJUBLJANA - The Employment Service received until yesterday almost 36,550 applications for more than 321,000 workers under the legislation providing state aid for wages and social security contributions for idled or quarantined workers amid the coronavirus epidemic. As many as 31,000 applications have already been resolved and decisions on state aid sent to over 25,600 employers. The first payments will be made on 11 May and then on 10 June.

Government members of Economic and Social Council appointed

LJUBLJANA - The government appointed its members of the Economic and Social Council (ESS), a forum on which the government, trade unions and employers discuss labour legislation. It also decided the ESS will be headed by Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj. Apart from Cigler Kralj, the government's ESS members are Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj, Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik, Education Minister Simona Kustec and their state secretaries.

Anti-money laundering office gets new boss

LJUBLJANA - Ivan Kopina has been appointed the acting director of the Office for the Prevention of Money Laundering. He will take over on 1 May from Branka Glojnarič, whom the government relieved of her duties. Kopina was appointed at today's correspondence session until a new director is appointed, but for no more than six months, the Government Communication Office said.

Athletes returning to training, competition ban to be lifted for non-contact sports

LJUBLJANA - Education and Sports Minister Simona Kustec has announced Slovenian athletes will be able to start training again next week, while the government is also lifting most of the restrictions pertaining to competitions in non-contact sports. "Competitions in individual sports will be allowed, but without spectators," the minister said on Wednesday. Government representatives suggested practice sessions in groups sports would only be allowed in individual format or in a group manner if teams secluded themselves.

Emergency aid approved for agriculture

LJUBLJANA - The government issued several decree to help agriculture cope with the loss of income resulting from the coronavirus epidemic, allocating around EUR 12 million in emergency aid to various farming sectors. Over EUR 5 million was allocated for wine producers, EUR 3.3 million for cattle farmers, EUR 2.2 million for tourist farms and EUR 1.4 million for the forestry sector.

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Ban on travel outside of home municipality lifted as of Thursday

LJUBLJANA - The government lifted a ban on non-essential travel outside the municipality of residence starting on Thursday as Prime Minister Janez Janša announced Slovenia had achieved a turnaround in the fight against coronavirus that allowed it to gradually ease restrictions. Delivering a video address after a cabinet session, Janša said the number of active infections had "dropped to the degree that allows us to adopt a plan of gradual lifting of restrictions in the foreseeable future". The details of the plan, adopted based on recommendations by health experts, are to be presented tomorrow.

Schools and kindergartens to start gradually reopening on 18 May

BRDO PRI KRANJU - Schools and kindergartens in Slovenia will start reopening on 18 May in what will be a gradual process, Education Minister Simona Kustec announced after a cabinet session. Kindergartens will reopen first and classes will start in the first three grades of primary schools and for final-year students at secondary schools. Next, final-year students of primary schools will return to class. Other students will complete the school year remotely. "This is the way instruction is already carried out and this is how it is going to end," she said.

Army better equipped for peacetime, no progress in wartime readiness

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Armed Forces' (SAF) state of readiness for peacetime action has improved, while there has been no progress in its capacity for wartime action which thus remains unsatisfactory for the sixth straight year, President Borut Pahor said as he received the annual report for 2019. The key reasons for the negative assessment are staff and funding shortages as well as outdated equipment, suggests the report presented to Pahor by the chief of the general staff Brigadier General Robert Glavaš, and Defence Minister Matej Tonin. Pahor said he fully trusted that army will professionally and faithfully fulfil the public's expectations as regards security.

Slovenian and German foreign ministers urge joint solution to travel

LJUBLJANA/BERLIN, Germany - Foreign Minister Anže Logar and his German counterpart Heiko Maas called for a common European solution to travel during the coronavirus pandemic after holding talks via video link. The opening of borders depends on how the pandemic develops in individual countries, and there is also a risk of a second wave. This is why Logar stressed that "one should be aware that opening up borders also has an impact on other countries". The two ministers highlighted the role of solidarity and cooperation, with Maas saying unity and solidarity could be increasingly noticed in the EU after initially quite different reactions to the crisis.

Prime minister does not expect life to get back to normal any time soon

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša believes that although the trend shows Slovenia has for now managed to contain the coronavirus spread, the crisis is not yet over and utmost caution will be required in the future. Speaking for the Catholic weekly Družina's monthly supplement, he said he did not expect life to normalize any time soon. "There is no guarantee that the situation will not repeat in the autumn. This is a reason why it will probably be impossible to return to normal any time soon, social distance and sanitisers at public places etc. will still be needed."

Solutions being sought to bring Slovenian tourists to Croatia

ZAGREB, Croatia - The Slovenian and Croatian ministers in charge of tourism, Zdravko Počivalšek and Gari Cappelli, met to discuss the possibilities for relaunching the sector in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. They agreed that a solution should at least be found for Slovenian owners of real estate in Croatia. Počivalšek noted that Slovenians owned around 110,000 real estate units in Croatia and that it would be appropriate if they were enabled to visit their holiday homes. Cappelli said talks were under way on the possibilities to open borders and to secure all needed measures and procedures so that Slovenians could spend their summer holidays in Croatia.

Ten new Covid-19 cases recorded, death toll up by three to 89

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,317 new Covid-19 tests were performed in Slovenia on Tuesday, with six new cases recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 1,418. Three persons died of Covid-19 yesterday, bringing the death toll in the country to 89, the government said on Wednesday. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals was down by five to 75, of whom 25 were in intensive care, one more than on Monday. A total of 51,607 tests have been performed in Slovenia so far, including 1,258 random samples.

PM discusses illegal migrations at Interior Ministry

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša and his state secretary for national security Žan Mahnič visited the Interior Ministry to discuss illegal migrations. Minister Aleš Hojs expects migrations to rise again in the near future, so he announced that more police officers would be deployed on the souther border as soon as the Covid-19 epidemic eases. "A rise in the number of illegal migrants can be expected in the Western Balkans in the coming months. There are already between 9,000 and 10,000 migrants in Bosnia and some 9,000 in Serbia waiting to proceed towards the EU," the ministry said.

Libraries, museums remain closed despite govt permission to reopen

LJUBLJANA - Libraries, galleries and museums in Slovenia remain closed although the government last night gave them permission to reopen as of today. The institutions say they need to prepare to reopen and that this cannot be done overnight. They expect to be able to welcome the first visitors in early May. The head of the Slovenian Museums Association, Aleksandra Berberih Slana, told the STA they had received no official instructions on how to protect employees and visitors when museums reopen. The Association of Slovenian Libraries informed users on its website that general libraries remained closed for now. They might be ready to reopen next week.

President, ministers targeted for ignoring social distancing rules

LJUBLJANA/CELJE - A lawyer from Celje has initiated a criminal complaint against the president of the republic and two ministers for ignoring social distancing rules and failing to wear protective equipment during a tour of the border river Kolpa two weeks ago. The criminal complaint by Boštjan Verstovšek comes after President Borut Pahor, Defence Minister Matej Tonin and Interior Minister Aleš Hojs were photographed in mid-April walking along the river without safety equipment and seemingly closer together than social distancing rules dictate. He was prompted to press the charges after Hojs urged the police to use published photos to identify persons who flaunted social distancing rules at protests in Maribor and Ljubljana.

Mokrice hydro power plant receives green light in parliament

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed in a unanimous vote legislative changes that facilitate the completion of the planned power stations on the lower Sava river, including the last link in the chain, the Mokrice plant. Under the previous legislation, the investor would first have to buy some 4,000 plots of land before a decision is even made whether the investment could be carried out at all. In line with the changes, the procedure for issuing construction permit and an environmental assessment will be launched before all the land is purchased. However, the land will have to be purchased before the construction permit is actually issued.

Parliament transposes amended internal gas market directive

LJUBLJANA - Parliament passed changes to the energy act to transpose the amended EU directive that makes rules governing the EU's internal gas market also applicable to pipelines to and from third countries. The amendments define in more detail the tasks of the gas transmission system operator Plinovodi and the regulator, the Energy Agency, and also lay down the procedure for contract approval by the European Commission. The deadline for the implementation of the directive was 24 February.

National Assembly confirms changes in parliamentary bodies

LJUBLJANA - Since the new government coalition in now in power, the National Assembly confirmed on Tuesday changes to the composition of the parliamentary commissions and committees. For instance, the Commission for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services will from now on be chaired by Matjaž Nemec of the opposition Social Democrats (SD). The decision on the number of members and chairs that each deputy group will have in the parliamentary bodies was made by the college of deputy group leaders last week.

Adria Airways brand up for sale

LJUBLJANA - The official receiver of the bankrupt Slovenian air carrier Adria Airways, Janez Pustatičnik, published an invitation for binding bids for the carrier brand name at the asking price of EUR 100,000. In line with the invitation, only bids with a security deposit of EUR 15,000 will be considered, and bids will be accepted until 6 July. Bidders will not be able to physically review documents related to the brand until restrictions imposed in the coronavirus epidemic are lifted. If the situation does not change until 6 July, the deadline will be extended. Adria Airways has been in receivership since October 2019.

State forest company's revenue, profit down in 2019

KOČEVJE - SIDG, the state-owned forest company, saw revenue decline by roughly 14% to EUR 66 million in 2019, with net profit down by about 4% to EUR 11.9 million. Pre-tax profit, at EUR 15.2 million, was up 3%. The company, which manages state forests, said on Wednesday the results in 2018 had been buoyed by emergency felling of windthrown timber, while the bottom line for 2019 had been severely affected by low prices of timber, in particular of spruce.

Poll shows increasing concern about job security

LJUBLJANA - People are increasingly concerned about job loss due to the coronavirus epidemic. Almost a quarter are afraid they will lose their job, while a significant share have already been made jobless, shows a poll conducted by Valicon. Valicon has conducted a running survey for over a month to gauge people's sentiment during the pandemic. On 23 March, 15% said they were concerned about their job, by 28 April that share rose to 23%. In the same period the share of those who reported being made jobless rose from 1% to 5%.

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Second stimulus package bill passed, bringing EUR 2bn loan guarantee scheme

LJUBLJANA - Parliament passed the second coronavirus stimulus package, which mainly consists of a EUR 2 billion guarantee scheme for loans to provide liquidity for companies. It also raises state funding for municipalities by around 6%. Opening the two-day emergency session, PM Janez Janša said the guarantees would suffice for the short-term, while nobody could tell if this should also be enough in the medium- and long-terms. He said the guarantees should keep companies from giving up on production that still has promise or from lay-offs in the short term. The bill comes after the first stimulus package which brought some emergency measure geared at preventing layoffs and protecting vulnerable groups. The EUR 3 billion package, passed in early April, was today amended to relax conditions and expand the list of benefit recipients by 190,000 to 1.2 million.

Govt further relaxing lockdown measures

LJUBLJANA - The government further relaxed restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus by reopening as of 29 April museums, galleries and libraries and by allowing real estate agents and chimney sweepers to resume business. As of 4 May, bars and restaurants will also be able to reopen, yet serving guests only at outdoor facilities, in what is the first easing of restrictions for the hospitality sector. Small businesses such as shoe repair shops, key cutters, clothing shops, photographers, photocopy services, watchmaker shops and jeweller's will also be among the services resuming on Monday. Wheather schools reopen is yet to be seen, but Education Minister Simona Kustec the effects and consequences of the return to schools in some European countries were being closely monitored. But she confirmed that talks were being held about 11 May as a possible date, which is also being floated in the public.

Six new Covid-19 cases recorded, death toll up by three to 86

LJUBLJANA - A total of 683 new Covid-19 tests were performed in Slovenia on Monday, resulting in six new cases to bring the total number of confirmed infections to 1,408. Three persons died of Covid-19 yesterday, brining the death toll in the country to 86. A total of 78 Covid-19 patients were in hospitals around the country yesterday, of whom 24 were in intensive care.

Logar and Pompeo discuss bilateral relations, covid-19 pandemic

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed over the phone bilateral relations and the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The pair called for strengthening the friendly relations and the alliance between the two countries, and highlighted the importance of a close transatlantic partnership in facing the pandemic. Logar welcomed the US's stepped up efforts in Central Europe, which are also reflected in the US's active support for the Three Seas initiative. He also acquainted Pompeo with Slovenia's preparations for the country's EU presidency in the second half of 2021.

New Spanish, Polish ambassadors present credentials

LJUBLJANA - New Spanish Ambassador to Slovenia Juan Arístegui Laborde and Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Jan Olendzki handed their credentials to President Borut Pahor. The new Spanish ambassador had served as deputy permanent representative to the EU since 2015. Olendzki was director of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute prior to his posting, having previously served as ambassador to Tunisia in 2008-2012.

Slovenia to accept four migrant children from Greece

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenia will accept four unaccompanied minors from migration centres on Greek islands, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs announced. The condition under which they will be taken in, which he expects to happen in the second half of May, is that they are younger than ten. Slovenia expressed readiness to accept the children to show solidarity with Greece, which is fighting illegal migrations in the first front lines, Hojs told Slovenian reporters in Brussels after a video conference with his EU counterparts. The process of accepting the children is being coordinated with the Ministry of Labour, the Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

Minister sees issues with coronavirus contact tracing apps

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs argues that coronavirus contact tracing apps first needs to be very well presented to people, because it would not be effective without their trust. He sees many issues in relation to such mobile applications, which is not expected to be introduced in Slovenia any time soon. Hojs spoke to Slovenian reporters in Brussels over the phone after taking part in a video-conference of EU interior ministers on Tuesday, with coronavirus contact tracing apps being one of the topics.

Green-energy transition potential strategy after crisis, minister says

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Transition to a low-carbon society could be a key part of growth strategy in the face of the corona crisis, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec told his counterparts from the other EU members in an online informal ministerial meeting. "We must not allow this crisis to slow down our transition to a low-carbon society because activities and investments in this field may be a substantial contribution to the boosting of economic activity. This could be a key part of our growth strategy," he was cited as saying by his ministry.

Slovenia's deficit to exceed 8% in 2020

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia is facing a general government deficit of 8.1% of GDP instead of a 1% surplus this year, according to changes to the budget framework made by the government. The changes to the budget decree for 2020 and 2021 that the government has forwarded to the National Assembly reflect the planned increase in budget expenditure for 2020 due to the epidemic, with the government proposing that budget expenditure be allowed to increase from EUR 10.45 billion to EUR 12.525 billion.

Gorenje planning lower layoffs than initially announced

VELENJE - Hisense Europe, the group which encompases Slovenia's Gorenje group, is planning to lay off 1,250 of its 9,310 workers in Europe. As many as 828 of these will be Gorenje workers from Slovenia. This is fewer than the initially announced 2,200 and 1,000 workers, respectively. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek nevertheless expects the management of the household appliance maker to take a step back and work with the government and trade unions in finding a viable solution. Počivalšek, speaking to the press after meeting the company's management, the Velenje deputy mayor and the in-house trade unionist, said he did not want to see any unilateral moves. "The state is willing to help in its restructuring efforts but only if we work hand in hand."

Revoz relaunches production

NOVO MESTO - Revoz, the Renault-owned car assembly plant and by far Slovenia's largest exporter, relaunched production today after shutting down due to the coronavirus epidemic on 17 March. The resumption of operations will be gradual, and workers will work in two shifts starting next week, the company told the STA, adding that preventive measures had been beefed up and additional protective gear provided for employees.

Weiler Abrasives sees revenue, net profit drop last year

MARIBOR - The abrasives and technical textile maker Weiler Abrasives generated EUR 73.5 million in sales revenue last year, about 10% less than in 2018. Net profit was accordingly lower, at EUR 300,000 or only 10% of the net profit from 2018. The company attributes the contraction to the loss of major clients in Iran which accounted for almost 10% of its revenue, the global economic slow-down, fluctuation of prices of raw materials and a new wage system.

Union calls for permanent closure of shops on Sundays

LJUBLJANA - The Trade Union of Retail called for the permanent closure of shops on Sundays. "Over this past month we have proved as a nation that Sunday shopping is not urgently needed." The union said Sunday shopping was a great burden on employees, eating into the time they could spend with their families. It also distracts the families of shoppers from spending quality time together.

Police and interior minister on opposite banks on anti-govt protests

LJUBLJANA - A day after anti-government and anti-lockdown rallies were held across the country, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs expressed expectation the police would follow his "guidelines" about tracking down the protesters through social media, indicating they breached social distancing rules. He would not accept the interior minister is but a silent observer of police actions. "It's fact that the interior minister is the one giving guidelines to the police." The police meanwhile highlighted its autonomy, noting it "does not rely upon public opinion or possible opinions of persons from the public and political arenas". Hojs's statements also upset the Information Commissioner's Office, which said they indicated Hojs perceived all protesters as potential perpetrators of criminal acts.

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Calls for cooperation, remembrance as Resistance Day is marked

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor addressed citizens on Resistance Day calling for cooperation and mutual aid in crisis. Pahor said that "we are remembering the most difficult times and the bravest of people." The head of the WWII Veterans' Association, Marijan Križman, added that the Liberation Front was the foundation of Slovenia's independence. Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič, who laid a wreath at the tomb of national heroes in the park near Parliament House, called for remembrance of all victims claimed by the National Liberation Struggle.

Pahor regrets reported political interference in PPE procurement

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor told a national television talk show on Sunday that he regretted the allegations of extensive political interference in the procurement of personal protective equipment reported in the media, as this had cast a shadow on what he has assessed as otherwise excellent work of the government and parliament in the coronavirus crisis. He said that both institutions had done a very good job and represented the good face of Slovenian politics until "suspicion has been raised that some might have made personal gains" or acted in violation of regulations.

Six new Covid-19 cases recorded, death toll up by one to 83

LJUBLJANA - A total of 634 new Covid-19 tests were performed in Slovenia on Sunday, resulting in six new cases to bring the total number of confirmed infections to 1,402. One person died of Covid-19, bringing the total death toll in the country to 83, the government said. A total of 80 Covid-19 patients were in hospitals around the country yesterday, of which 22 were in intensive care. No new cases were admitted and no patient was discharged from hospital for home care

Mediana poll shows share of opponents of government increasing

LJUBLJANA - The share of respondents who support the government of Janez Janša remained almost unchanged in April at 45.6%, shows the latest Mediana poll, while the share of those who oppose it has increased from 34.4% in March to 41.4% in April. Support for the ruling Democrats (SDS) in the poll commissioned by the commercial broadcaster POP TV and published on Sunday has somewhat dropped compared to March to 19.3%. Following the SDS is the opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), which has lost 2.1 percentage points to 11.1%, and the opposition Left, which has lost a point to 7.8%. The respondents were also asked about the government's measures to fight the coronavirus epidemic, with 57.7% of them saying they were appropriate.

Počivalšek optimistic about joint corona standards in tourism

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek is moderately optimistic about the prospects of securing good and coordinated standards of anti-coronavirus measures in tourism. Počivalšek said this at a videoconference of the EU ministers in charge of tourism, which comes after PM Janez Janša called at the EU summit last Thursday for a joint corona-standard for tourism facilities and services to be established. The minister rejected concerns about possible discrimination based on passport, while calling for border-crossing protocol to be established relative to the epidemiological situation.

Small anti-government protests held in several cities

LJUBLJANA - While lockdown measures remain in force, Slovenians started hitting the streets to protest against the government and the continuation of quarantine, with a few hundred people gathering in Ljubljana today, several hundred in Maribor and smaller rallies held in several other cities. The protests were initiated by a Facebook group called Resistance against the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, which calls for the situation in the country to be normalised and for Prime Minister Janez Janša to resign. A Facebook page has also been created in support for a whistleblower who has revealed political pressures in the procurement of personal protective equipment, but its moderators said it was not connected to the protests.

Slovenian international airports record less traffic last year

LJUBLJANA - The total volume of traffic in the three Slovenian international airports in Ljubljana, Maribor and Portorož dropped by 5% last year compared to the year before. By far the largest share of passengers travelled through Jože Pučnik Ljubljana Airport, which recorded 1.72 million passengers in the year when the flag carrier Adria Airways ended in receivership. The volume of cargo transport through the airports was down by 8%, the Statistics Office reported.

Former sciences and arts academy president France Bernik dies

LJUBLJANA - Literary historian and author France Bernik, who headed the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU) in 1992-2002, has died at the age of 92, the SAZU said. Born in Ljubljana in 1927, Bernik graduated in Slavic studies at the University of Ljubljana in 1951, and became tenured professor of Slovenian literature history in 1984. He published more than 400 essays and articles in scientific journals and a total of 16 books, while he also lectured at many international universities, including in Zagreb, Belgrade, Trieste, Innsbruck and Bonn. Bernik was the recipient of many national and international awards and decorations, including the Zois Prize for lifetime achievement in literary studies (1999).

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Eight new coronavirus cases recorded, death toll up by one to 82

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded eight new coronavirus cases on Saturday as 794 tests were carried out. One person died, bringing the total death toll to 82, according to government data. The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 was 80, three more than on Friday. Twenty-three patients were in intensive care, unchanged from Friday, and two were discharged from hospital. Until last midnight, as many as 48,973 test were carried out, of which 1,396 were positive. Saturday's number of new Covid-19 cases is roughly the same as Thursday's, when seven new infections were recorded, whereas the Friday figure more than doubled to 15 from a day earlier. Commenting on the sharp daily rise, Milan Krek, who is to take over at the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) if green-lighted by the government, attributed it to people not sticking to social distancing rules during the Easter holiday. He warned against a hasty easing of social distancing and movement restrictions.

First case of Covid-19 infection discovered as part of random population testing

LJUBLJANA - As part of a random population Covid-19 testing campaign launched on 20 April, one person who did not know was infected has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Epidemiologist have already contacted the person, who is from the north-east fof the country, and advised those who have been in contact with them to self-isolate. Miroslav Petrovec, head of the Institute of Microbiology and Immunology at the Faculty of Medicine, told the STA this was the first newly discovered Covid-19 case as part of the nation-wide testing campaign. However another person had been previously tested as part of the random testing who had known of their infection, having tested positive in March. While 3,000 people have been invited to take part in the campaign, 1,315 have responded to the invitation and 1,136 tests have already been carried out. Petrovec believes it will take at least until Thursday to complete the testing. Then, next week the blood samples will also have to be analysed.

Covid-19 positive soldiers return from Kosovo

LJUBLJANA - The three Slovenian solders who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 safely returned to Slovenia from the NATO-led mission in Kosovo (KFOR) this afternoon, the Slovenian Armed Forced (SAF) told the STA. Upon arrival at Ljubljana airport, a military medical team took the infected soldiers, who feel fine, to the Clinic for Infectious Disease in Ljubljana, which will decide what treatment need need. Another Slovenian citizen returned to Slovenia on the same plane with the soldiers, upon the request of the Foreign Ministry, while an epidemiological team was sent to KFOR's Film City base in Prishtina to disinfect the premises where the soldiers were deployed. There are some 250 Slovenian troops serving in the KFOR mission, which numbers about 3,500 troops altogether.

Slovenia's population up again due to immigration

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia had a population of 2,095,861 on 1 January 2020, up 0.7% from a year earlier. The number of Slovenian citizens dropped in 2019 as the multi-year downward trend continued, with the number of immigrants increasing again, Statistics Office figures showed. The number of Slovenian citizens in 2019 dropped by 0.2% to 1,939,510, which is a slightly bigger drop than in 2018, while the number of foreign citizens increased by 13.1%, a rise roughly on a par with 2018. On the first day of this year, a total of 156,351 foreigners made up 7.5% of Slovenia's population, a rise from 6.6% a year earlier.

Slovenia already at Earth Overshoot Day

LJUBLJANA Slovenia has used all natural resources for the year until 26 April, so it will now be living on credit from nature until the end of the year. According to a tweet by the head of the Institute for Youth Participation, Health and Sustainable Development, Tomaž Gorenc, this year Slovenia arrived at Earth Overshoot Day, previously known as Ecological Debt Day, a day earlier than last year. Earth Overshoot Day is a date calculated to show when humanity consumes natural resources beyond the Earth's capacity to regenerate them that year.

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Slovenia records 15 new Covid-19 cases, virus also among Slovenian KFOR soldiers

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 15 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, which brings the total number of infections to 1,388. One more person died for a total death toll of 81, according to government data released today. The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 declined by one to 77, of whom 23 were in intensive care, down by one. Slovenia has so far performed 48,179 coronavirus tests, 1,161 of which on Friday. Meanwhile, three Slovenian solders serving in the NATO-led mission in Kosovo (KFOR) have been diagnosed with Covid-19, the Slovenian Armed Forces confirmed. They are presently quarantined at a base in Prishtina, are feeling stable and will be brought home as soon as possible.

PM says restrictions here to stay, no inter-municipal movement during holidays

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša commented on the state of the epidemic following Friday's evaluation meeting by saying many of the restrictions in place in Slovenia and the EU "will remain in place in the foreseeable future". Janša said the government's measures were also based on a very serious situation in the neighbourhood and the "very negative experience of countries that are battling repeated outbreaks". A tweet by the government meanwhile showed there are no plans to lift the movement and gatherings ban for the May holidays, meaning people will no be able to leave their municipality. "The epidemic is still simmering and data from comprehensive random population testing is not in yet," the explanation reads.

Milan Krek selected for new Public Health Institute director

LJUBLJANA - The overhauled council of the Public Health Institute (NIJZ) selected Milan Krek, the head of the NIJZ's Koper unit, as the institute's new director. Krek's appointment still requires a nod from the government, which however seems certain given that Krek has been appearing at its coronavirus briefings in recent weeks following the government's clash with the institute's current leadership. Krek, a doctor who became the head of the Koper NIJZ unit in 2006 after he had ran the government office for narcotics, is to replace acting director Ivan Eržen, who was appointed by the new government as Nina Pirnat was moved to the Health Ministry's Healthcare Directorate on 20 March.

PM says Constitutional Court the most politically biased to date

LJUBLJANA - Embracing a dissenting opinion in a recent Constitutional Court ruling, which tasked the government with examining each week whether its lockdown restrictions remain justified, Prime Minister Janez Janša tweeted that "Slovenia unfortunately has the most politically biased Constitutional Court so far". "Double standards mean the death of any institution, especially judical. They are setting up so called selective justice," Janša wrote. He added the current lineup of the Constitutional Court was in the "majority formed in line with the wishes of the left and far-left ideological sphere, and even changes its position on uniform matters depending on the day".

Foreign Ministry crisis repatriation taskforce ends operations

LJUBLJANA - A special consular taskforce at the Foreign Ministry that has helped repatriate several hundred Slovenians during the coronavirus crisis will end its operations on Sunday, the ministry announced, saying the number of Slovenians who wished to return home due to the Covid-19 pandemic had decreased substantially in recent weeks. The taskforce organised repatriation flights and rides that helped return 674 Slovenians home along with 136 foreign citizens. When factoring in those who made it back alone with some assistance from the taskforce, the total number of Slovenians to return home exceeds 2,000, the ministry said.

Mercator reports higher profit for 2019

LJUBLJANA - Retailer Mercator saw its sales revenue increase by 1.8% to EUR 2.14 billion in 2019 as net profit nearly tripled to EUR 4.7 million from EUR 1.6 million in 2018. Revenue from retail sales, Mercator's core business, increased by 2.2% to EUR 1.7 billion. Normalised gross operating profit (EBITDA) rose by more than 60% to EUR 172.5 million. The retail group, which is part of the insolvent Croatian holding Agrokor, reduced its debt by almost a quarter last year, mostly as a result of its real estate monetisation. Net financial debt by comparable standards amounted to EUR 587 million and the net debt-to-EBITDA ratio was reduced from 7.2 to 5.2.

Paraglider dies in crash with ultralight airplane near Ajdovščina

AJDOVŠČINA - A paraglider was killed today in a crash with an ultralight airplaine that occurred near the town of Ajdovščina (SE) at around 11am. The paraglider and the airplaine both crashed to the ground after the impact, but the pilot and passenger of the airplane survived, albeit with serious injuries, the first reports suggest. According to the police, the pilot activated the emergency parachute installed in ultralight aircraft and thereby saved his own and his passenger's life.

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Whistleblower claims Commodities Reserves Agency victim of political pressure, minister denies wrongdoing

LJUBLJANA - A whistleblower from the Commodities Reserves Agency came forward with accusations of political pressure in the purchasing of protective personal equipment, telling a TV Slovenija show on Thursday evening that certain providers had been favoured and the agency sidelined by task forces set up at the economy and defence ministries. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, who has been accused of intervening personally, acknowledged this, but said this was to expedite procedures rather than to favour specific suppliers. He described the story as an orchestrated "hunt on my head" and said he would not resign. Prime Minister janez Janša and Defence Minister MAtej Tonin said the government had ordered reports from all bodies involved in PPE procurement, which would be sent to parliament and investigative authorities.

LMŠ says no-confidence vote in entire govt is in the cards

LJUBLJANA - The head of the deputy group of the opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Brane Golubović, said that after latest revelations regarding the purchase of protective and other medical equipment to tackle the Covid-19 epidemic, a vote of no-confidence in the entire government was in the cards. Since Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek and Defence Minister Matej Tonin did not offer their resignation and PM Janez Janša did not propose their dismissal, it is possible that a vote of no-confidence in the entire government will be held, Golubović said a day after LMŠ head Marjan Šarec announced a motion to oust Počivalšek.

Pahor says no constitutional right should be suspended during crisis

LJUBLJANA - Even during the coronavirus epidemic no constitutional right is or must be denied to citizens, President Borut Pahor said as he commented on the announcement of a vote of no-confidence in Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek over his role in the purchases of protective personal equipment. Speaking for national radio on Thursday, Pahor said decisions in this respect must be proportionate so as not to hinder decision-makers in their efforts to tackle the crisis. All departures must be noticed and sanctioned but in a way that does not affect this focus on helping people, Pahor said. "People are smart and they will be able to assess who has proved in this period that they had made the right decisions and put the interests of the community interests first."

Gradual opening of borders for tourists might start in May

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek expects that the restrictions affecting tourism, chiefly closed borders, could gradually be relaxed in May. The government is thus working on "a corona standard" to provide for the safety of tourists and tourism workers. He said the government was trying to define protocols for individual sectors of tourism in collaboration with businesses and the National Institute of Public Health. "We'll set a corona standard so that both guests and staff feel safe," he said. With over 70% of tourists coming to Slovenia from abroad, the focus is on convincing them that tourist services are provided in a safe manner.

SID Bank posted EUR 32 million net profit for 2019

LJUBLJANA - SID Bank, the state-run export and development bank, more than doubled net profit in 2019 to EUR 32 million. "SID Bank performed well and, taking into account certain one-off events, recorded a historically record year in terms of profit," the management stated in the annual report. The bank said its "strong capital position and robustness further strengthened" as its capital increased by 9.9% to EUR 464 million, while its capital adequacy stood at 34%. The surge in profit by EUR 17.7 million was the result of the sale of a subsidiary and the repayment of a portion of non-performing claims.

Pahor and Steinmeier call for EU-wide solidarity

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian President Borut Pahor and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted the importance of solidarity and cooperation between EU countries during the coronavirus pandemic as they talked on the telephone, calling for faster and more efficient action on the part of EU institutions. According to Pahor's office, the two presidents spoke mostly about the situation and relationships within the EU. They noted the risk of countries shutting in on themselves in the current situation and of losing faith in the European project. They also exchanged information on the current developments in the coronavirus epidemic in their countries, finding that the situation allowed a gradual and cautious return to a normal life.

Tourism, retail severely affected by coronavirus

LJUBLJANA - The Covid-19 crisis severely affected March figures for tourism and retail business. Accommodation facilities recorded a 75% drop in arrivals and 67% fewer night stays over March 2019, while retail revenue fell by 15.1% year on year, the latest Statistics Office figures show. Although the lockdown in March was in place only slightly more than the last two weeks, it affected tourism figures for the entire first quarter. The January-to-March period recorded a 28% drop in tourist arrivals over the same period in 2019 and a 23% decrease in nights. Business sentiment meanwhile fell by an unprecedented 35.8 percentage points in April compared to March to a record low of -39.5 percentage points.

Minister hopes for solution to Gorenje layoffs

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said he would meet the management of home appliances maker Gorenje to try and find a solution after the company announced it would cut 1,000 jobs in Slovenia. He said Gorenje was seen as a good example of well organised production that was planned to be upgraded or restructured with a new television factory to avoid major layoffs. "We'll do everything for the new TV set factory to be built in the town of Velenje and for the planned redundancies to be resolved to the benefit of workers and consequently the state."

More than 32,000 self-employed get monthly allowance

LJUBLJANA - Just over 32,000 self-employed, farmers and religious workers who lost their income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic got their monthly basic income on Friday, a total of EUR 11.2 million for March. The EUR 350 allowance was transferred to claimants who submitted a statement via the Financial Administration's e-tax system by 18 April that the epidemic prevented them from doing business or severely affected its scope. The self-employed, farmers and religious workers are also temporarily exempted from social contribution payments.

MPs call for withdrawal of govt letter to CoE

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary foreign policy and culture committees called on the Foreign Ministry to withdraw the government's controversial letter to the Council of Europe (CoE) about the state of the media in Slovenia, which says that the majority of the media in Slovenia stem from the Communist regime. The committees proposed to the ministry to withdraw the letter and call on all public office holders to refrain from restricting journalist work and editors' independence, and the public's right to being informed, in any way. The letter, sent to the CoE at the beginning of April, was a response to an alert issued by the CoE after PM Janez Janša tweeted in late March that the public broadcaster RTV Slovenija was misleading the public.

Commissioner Jourova contacts Slovenian authorities over media freedom situation

BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Commission vice-president and Commissioner for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova announced she had contacted Slovenian authorities over the media freedom situation in the country. "No hate, no threats, no personal attacks," reads part of Jourova's message to the government. Jourova's reaction comes in response to an appeal by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and six other press freedom organisations for the Commission to put pressure on the Slovenian government and remind it of its responsibility to "protect the press, to ensure journalists are able to report independently."

Getting married made possible again from Tuesday

LJUBLJANA - Couples in Slovenia will be able to get married again from Tuesday under special terms after civil ceremonies were suspended in mid-March due to the coronavirus epidemic. Marriage ceremonies will be possible "in a somewhat scaled-down setup, with due consideration of the circumstances", Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik announced. If the newly wed couple and the honour attendants need to cross municipal borders, they will be issued a special license by the administrative unit.

SSH finishes 2019 with loss, posts 6.8% return on equity

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) posted a pre-tax profit of EUR 2.2 million and EUR 16.6 million in net loss last year, but estimates to have recorded a 6.8% return on equity. This is 0.6 percentage points above the 2019 target and just as much above the return on equity from 2018. The management largely attributed the loss to EUR 37 million in provisions for denationalisation and to deferred taxes. It said that the 6.2% target return on equity will be exceeded despite major changes in its portfolio, notably the sale of banks.

Football Association honoured with Golden Order of Merit

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor honoured the Slovenian Football Association with the Golden Order of Merit for helping establish football as a mass sport in the country and as a sport that is played at the highest level. Conferring the decoration on the centenary of organised football in Slovenia, Pahor said the association had helped produce a number of top players and coaches who are also excelling internationally, adding the association organises numerous events at national and regional level, as well as social responsibility projects that inspire the young.

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LMŠ announces motion of no-confidence in economy minister

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) plans to initiate a vote of no-confidence in Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek over his role in the purchases of protective personal equipment. "We were constructive at the beginning of this government's term, but we were played. After the latest events it is clear that we will file a motion of no-confidence," LMŠ leader Marjan Šarec announced on Twitter. However, it seems like the no-confidence vote will not get the needed support from other opposition parties. The only party to have expressed support to it is the Left. Počivalšek responded with a tweet saying he saw the upcoming debate in parliament as an opportunity to "lay out all the evidence", including about how the Šarec government had handled the crisis.

PM warns of grave political consequences of insufficient solidarity

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Prime Minister Janez Janša warned after the EU summit that grave political consequences may occur in the absence of sufficient solidarity. He voiced support for the EU Commission submitting a new multi-year financial framework whose structure and scope should be commensurate to the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis. Janša also endorsed a set of proposals agreed at an Eurogroup meeting on 9 April. But it remains questionable whether these proposals will suffice for the needs of those most badly hit by the pandemic. "If there is insufficient solidarity in action, grave political consequences may occur," he said.

Minister announces expansion of border fence

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia plans to intensify the construction of fencing on the border with Croatia and expand the use of other technical means to control the border and prevent illegal migrations, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs told the weekly Demokracija. "The only way to seal the border is with a fence along its entire length, appropriate technical surveillance and the army or police along it. Only Israel has such a well protected border. We'll probably never have such a level [of protection], but we'll nevertheless do everything so that the border is protected as best as possible," he said.

Mayors of border municipalities urge deployment of army on border

LJUBLJANA - Mayors of 23 border municipalities have called on the National Assembly to back the activation of an emergency clause that grants soldiers limited police powers to patrol the border, citing a likely mass spread of Covid-19 among migrants as the main reason. The mayors argue the army "is the only institution left with a sufficient number of equipped and trained staff to protect the southern border". They fear a larger number of infected persons could enter Slovenia, since the virus is already present among migrants and a major spread among them will be impossible to prevent given their accommodation situation in Europe and Turkey.

Slovenian, Croatian ministers to discuss tourism next week

LJUBLJANA/ZAGREB, Croatia - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek and Croatian Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli will meet next week to discuss measures to support the tourist sector in the face of the coronavirus epidemic, the Economy Ministry told the STA. Cappelli told Croatian media the pair would also discuss the potential revival of cross-border travel. Cappelli told the Croatian broadcaster N1 that he would meet Počivalšek next week on the Croatian-Slovenian border or even in Croatia. He said they would discuss technical solutions to allow tourists to cross the border.

Drop in orders pushes Hisense into massive layoffs, unions up in arms

LJUBLJANA/VELENJE - Hisense Europe has confirmed it plans extensive layoffs across the group as a major drop in orders amid the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed it into the red. Trade unions and the local community are shocked that as many as 2,200 jobs will be slashed by the end of 2020, of which 1,000 in Slovenia. Around 700 production jobs will be slashed at Gorenje in Velenje and another 300 other jobs at Hisense Gorenje Europe in Ljubljana with soft methods, such as retirement as well as disinvestment.

Constitutional Court expects to deal with corona measures for years

LJUBLJANA - Constitutional Court president Rajko Knez has assessed that the country's top court will be dealing with appeals related to the anti-corona measures for years, although they are being treated as a matter of absolute priority. In an interview for the newspaper Delo, Knez noted that the court had received in recent days more than 50 appeals related to the financial and economic consequences of the first economic stimulus package, passed in early April. Earlier, the court was receiving requests for constitutional review of the measure restricting movement to the municipal borders and expansion of police powers, with their current number being more than ten.

Confirmed Covid-19 cases up by 13, no new deaths reported

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia had 1,366 confirmed Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, up by 13 on the day before, with the number of fatalities unchanged at 79, shows the latest government data. The figures indicate the coronavirus epidemic is tailing off, which is also evident from the number of people in hospital. A total of 80 persons were in hospital for Covid-19, two fewer than the day before and significantly below the end-March peak of 119. Of these, 23 were in intensive care, down from 24.

Ex-president says govt efficient in Covid-19 efforts, worried about democracy

LJUBLJANA - Former President Milan Kučan said in an interview for the weekly Nedeljski Dnevnik that the government's measures to fight the epidemic were adequate, but he is worried some of them could affect democracy. Slovenia was in a way lucky not to hold an election after the Marjan Šarec government collapsed at the end of January. He believes the Janez Janša government is "relatively efficient" in dealing with the epidemic, deeming its work responsible and measures adequate. However, he expects it to provide accurate information, speak calmly and most of all, give solid arguments to justify the harsh measures.

Pahor extends solidarity message over Covid-19 to Hungary

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor continues sending solidarity messages to other European countries in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. The latest recipient of his supportive video clips has been Hungary. He conveyed his support in the Hungarian language and expressed his admiration for the Hungarian people, who are showing determination, courage and hope in these difficult times. Meanwhile, Spanish King Felipe VI has thanked the president for his encouraging words.

Ambassadors thanking key workers in Slovenia amid epidemic

LJUBLJANA - Ambassadors to Slovenia have expressed gratitude to Slovenian healthcare workers and others fighting the Covid-19 epidemic on the front lines as well as the public for their efforts during these challenging times in a video message released online. The participating embassies included those representing Austria, Brazil, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Italy, Japan, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the US, the UK and the EU Commission.

MPs call for reorganisation in nursing homes due to Covid-19

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Health Committee concluded late on Wednesday a two-day debate on the situation in nursing homes, rejecting all recommendations from the opposition Left. Yesterday's debate revolved around the possibility of reorganising the work in nursing homes, with the coalition saying that some changes were already being made. The situation in nursing homes has become complex in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic, and the session, requested by the Left, heard on the first day demands from trade unions and care home organisations for more staff to be provided.

Ljutomer home Covid-19 patients staying put

LJUTOMER - The Covid-19 positive residents of the Ljutomer nursing home, one of the hotspots of the epidemic in Slovenia, will not be moved from the home, Health Minister Tomaž Gantar said, after abandoning a planned move to the Ptuj hospital, where the staff opposed the hospitalisation of patients who do not require hospital treatment. Gantar said it would be best for residents if a move could be avoided while the home is being cleaned, disinfected and contagion zones established. "If this can be done without the move, I will be happy and residents will be happy," he said.

Govt proposing deregulation to speed up infrastructure investment

LJUBLJANA - Environment and Spatial Planning Minister Andrej Vizjak announced a deregulation of construction legislation that he argues will substantially speed up construction in this crucial period. "Every month of delayed investment in construction is a month lost and reduces budget revenue," he told the press. Vizjak, who explained the proposed changes have been incorporated into the amendments of the first coronavirus crisis stimulus package, pointed to the pending recession. The changes "allow immediate launch of certain investments that are on hold now", he added.

Slovenia again extends passenger flight ban

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian air traffic is to remain severely restricted as the government yet again extended a ban on passenger flights that was already prolonged twice, first in late March and then early April. The previous ban suspending flights within the EU until 27 April has been extended for two weeks. The ban was first introduced on 17 March to help contain the Covid-19 spread. In line with the EU law, the government then extended it on 30 March for a period of two weeks. On 10 April, the restriction was again prolonged, with flights within the EU suspended until 27 April and the rest banned until further notice.

More than 5,000 companies requested loan payment deferral so far

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian banks received just over 5,000 requests for deferral of loan payments from companies struggling with the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic by 10 April, data from the central bank show. Nearly 7,000 such requests have been made by individuals, Banka Slovenije told the STA. Banks said they had adopted proactive approaches to addressing clients' problems and that solutions were being sought on a case-by-case basis. They did however not reveal concrete numbers, which they are obligated to report to the Slovenian central bank Banka Slovenije.

Most players welcome draft corona legislation, but still see problems

LJUBLJANA - A number of organisations have welcomed changes to the first and the draft second stimulus package aimed to mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic. However, they also expressed criticism and made improvement recommendations. Trade unions fear a wave of layoffs is coming, but are mostly happy with the measures planned.

Slovenia experiencing extended dry spell

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia has seen below average precipitation across the country this year and according to Andreja Sušnik of the Environment Agency "we can already speak of a drought meteorologically". Grassland is presently affected the worst, while the impact will also be visible in other non-irrigated cultures. Sušnik said the topsoil is dried up as a result of a lack of precipitation, while the situation has been aggravated further by the occasional above-average temperatures and frequent winds. The last major precipitation period was in December.

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State to guarantee up to 80% for loans to SMEs, 70% for large companies

LJUBLJANA - As part of the second stimulus package to help the Slovenian economy cope with the coronavirus crisis, the state will provide quick liquidity aid to companies to the tune of EUR 2 billion. Loans to micro companies and SMEs will be guaranteed for up to 80% of the principal, and up to 70% for large companies. The package will be debated by parliament next Tuesday and Wednesday, along with corrections to the first package, including relaxed conditions for companies to apply for wage subsidies, and expansion in the number of people eligible for benefits under the first package.

Minister says third stimulus package to be development-oriented

LJUBLJANA - By adopting the second coronavirus crisis stimulus package, the government has completed a set of bills to mitigate the consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic and restart the economy, Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj told the press. He moreover announced a third legislative package, which the government will start to work on in May and will be development-oriented.

Nine new coronavirus infections, two new deaths bring death toll to 79

LJUBLJANA - Nine new coronavirus infections were recorded in Slovenia on Tuesday, as many as the day before, with the number of tests the highest so far, at 1,459. So far 1,353 infections have been confirmed. The number of hospitalised patients has been decreasing for a week and now stands at 82, while 24 patients are in intensive care. Eight were discharged on Tuesday. The authorities also reported that about 200 tests had so far been conducted as part of comprehensive population testing launched on Monday, all of them turning negative. More than 1,000 of the 3,000 people picked have so far agreed to be included in the study.

Govt decrees exchange of data between health authority and police

LJUBLJANA - The government decreed that the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) share with the police information about individuals who have been ordered to go into self-isolation, quarantine or undergo treatment for Covid-19. The decree lays down the manner of data exchange under Article 103 of the first mega coronavirus crisis and stimulus act, which gives the police special powers for the purposes of epidemic control. The Health Ministry said about 2,900 quarantine orders had been issued to date. Some 1,500 are currently in effect.

Over EUR 39m available for monthly crisis bonus in public sector

LJUBLJANA - The government set the criteria to distribute EUR 39.2 million a month for a coronavirus crisis bonus for public sector employees in high-risk jobs during the epidemic under emergency legislation. Within the EUR 39.2 million ceiling, heads of hospitals and other public sector organisations will be in charge of distributing the funds. Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik said the government would fully cover another crisis bonus - the one envisaged in the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector.

Two suspected of stealing protective equipment from Ljubljana hospital

LJUBLJANA - The police are investigating a suspected theft of protective equipment in the UKC Ljubljana hospital. The police identified the suspects as a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, both from Ljubljana. The Ljubljana Police Department said the inquiries so far indicated the suspects made 40,000 euro by selling the stolen equipment online. UKC Ljubljana general manager Janez Poklukar has condemned the incident. Unofficially, the suspects were UKC Ljubljana employees.

Replaced head says Commodity Reserves Agency being scapegoated over PPE

LJUBLJANA - Providing another twist in the outrage over the procurement of faulty protective equipment for SARS-COV-2, the now former head of Agency for Commodity Reserves Anton Zakrajšek protested against the reasons cited for his replacement by Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek. Zakrajšek said him and the agency refused to serve as scapegoats. Zakrajšek asked to be relieved of his duties on Monday after spending several weeks on sick leave due to Covid-19. He denied being the one picking the suppliers.

FM says epidemic measures must not be abused for geopolitical pressure

BRUSSELS, Belgium - EU foreign ministers discussed in a videoconference the bloc's approach to its neighbours to the east and expressed expectations that Ukraine would continue with reforms. Foreign Minister Anže Logar expressed support for the reform processes underway in Ukraine. He said measures to fight the pandemic should not be abused for the purposes of geopolitical pressure, spread of misinformation or failure to implement agreements.

US donates five military ambulances to Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Armed Forces received five new military ambulances donated by the US. Defence Minister Matej Tonin and US Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda Blanchard were present as the shipment arrived at Koper, praising the Slovenia-US partnership. Slovenia received the MEDIC HMMWV M1152 Ambulance vehicles, made by US producer AM General, under the European Security Assistance Fund.

President carries on with messages of solidarity amid pandemic

LJUBLJANA - In the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic President Borut Pahor expressed solidarity with Austria and Poland in a video message after sending supportive messages to a number of countries, including France. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Pahor and returned the gesture. Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen also expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying he appreciated Pahor's words of encouragement and was looking forward to their future cooperation.

Cabinet replaces Infrastructure Agency boss

LJUBLJANA - The government dismissed Monika Pintar Mesarič as the acting director of the Infrastructure Agency, appointing Liljana Herga in her place for up to six months. Herga has so far headed the agency's road maintenance and traffic safety department. A possible change of the agency's director was hinted at last week by the commercial broadcaster Planet TV when reporting about an allegedly contentious tender to set up a SCADA system for the railway infrastructure.

Recently appointed govt official faces judicial inquiry

LJUBLJANA - Miha Pogačnik, who was last week appointed acting head of the Government Office for Legislation, is the subject of a judicial inquiry over business his private institute did with the UKC Maribor hospital in 2016, the commercial broadcaster POP TV reported on Tuesday evening. The Specialised State Prosecution confirmed that an inquiry had been launched in late January against three persons, including Pogačnik, over the hiring of Croatian anaesthesiologists in Maribor.

TV Slovenija: Hisense to cut 1,000 jobs in Slovenia

VELENJE - TV Slovenija reported that the Chinese-owned group Hisense Europe was planning to close 2,200 jobs by the end of the year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, including 1,000 in Slovenia. The head of the in-house trade union Žan Zeba told the public broadcaster that Hisense was to make 1,000 people redundant in Slovenia, including 700 at the production facility in Velenje and 300 in the Ljubljana-headquartered company Hisense Europe. Gorenje is to present details on Thursday.

Pandemic to slash Triglav profit by at least 10%

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's leading insurance group, Triglav, expects the coronavirus pandemic to slash its profit by at least 10% and premiums by 5% this year. But the insurer says its business is sound enough to cope with the situation successfully. Triglav Group initially projected a pre-tax profit of between EUR 95 million and EUR 105 million for this year, however, new calculations show the figure could be 10-25% lower. The insurance premium, initially projected at EUR 1.2 billion, is to be 3-5% lower.

Construction sector calls for long-term infrastructural projects

LJUBLJANA - As construction work is slowing down in Slovenia due to the coronavirus epidemic, representatives of the construction sector have called on the government to launch long-term infrastructural projects to revitalise the sector, which would otherwise face a bleak future. The Chamber of Construction and Building Materials Industry said today that if major infrastructural projects were not implemented, the construction sector would be in a "vegetative state for a long time". Government advisor Matej Lahovnik said EU-funded projects should definitely be implemented, especially infrastructural projects.

Covid-19 pushes consumer sentiment lowest on record

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded the biggest drop in consumer sentiment in April since March 1996, when the statisticians started keeping record. The Statistics Office said the index dropped by 30 percentage points in monthly comparison and by 41 points year on year, which statisticians attribute to the coronavirus epidemic.

Large companies largely opting for Covid-19 crisis bonus

LJUBLJANA - Some large companies have already paid their employees a bonus for working during the coronavirus crisis, while others are yet to do so. Some will pay the bonus as set down by the government emergency law, others their own bonuses, while some companies have opted for both. Those which have not suspended their operations because of the epidemic, such as pharmaceutical companies Krka and Novartis, do not plan any pay cuts, while those who will cut wages will start with managers.

Genomic studies show SARS-COV-2 entered Slovenia via multiple sources

MARIBOR - The first genomic studies conducted for SARS-COV-2 in Slovenia have shown Slovenian patients are infected with both the Asian and the more European strains of the novel coronavirus, meaning the virus entered the country through more than one source. The strain that has more resemblance to the Asian strains than the majority of the types discovered in Europe was discovered in the last of three genomic tests conducted for Slovenian patients so far by the National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, the Maribor Medical Faculty and the Maribor Community Health Centre.

Ombudsman says virus revealing how much damage humans inflict on Earth

LJUBLJANA - Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina noted on Earth Day that pollution was decreasing significantly in many parts of the world because of the coronavirus pandemic, wondering whether the spread of the virus was necessary for humans to realise what damage is being done to Earth. "We must be aware that the right to a healthy and clean environment is one of our fundamental rights. But it is also our duty, because unless we all take action it will be even more difficult to implement," Svetina wrote in his Earth Day message. A call on the government to prepare concrete measures to switch to sustainable development was also made by a climate panel advising President Borut Pahor.

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