By: Dr Metod Berlec
“The new government, which was democratically elected and began its work at the beginning of June, immediately found itself confronted by attacks from the transitional oligarchy, its trade unions and quasi-state organisations, as well as from the opposition acting in concert with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia,” recently wrote the intellectuals gathered around the Cathedral of Freedom. They added: “Their sole objective is, in a revolutionary manner, to overthrow the current government and return to power. Even the convention of granting a new government 100 days of political peace does not deter them. We are also facing announced referendums whose purpose is to prevent the adoption of laws intended to enable Slovenia’s competitive development in these turbulent times for Europe and the world. Of course, it is impossible overnight to remedy all the damage done during the previous government’s term and over the decades since independence. Human resources are limited, including those responsible for political decision-making.” Slovenia is thus entering a turbulent period that will significantly shape the country’s future political, economic, and developmental trajectory.
The October referendum Sunday, the November local elections, and the likely December referendum on the emergency development law together form an exceptionally important political trio that will have a major impact on both the stability of Janša’s government and its ability to implement its policy agenda. First comes the October referendums. Voters will face four important decisions, and for supporters of the government’s development strategy, the key message is clear: vote “Yes” four times. The votes are presented as a confirmation of the direction being pursued by the centre-right coalition led by the SDS following this year’s elections. The referendum results will therefore serve as the current government’s first major test of public opinion.
Just a month later, local elections will follow. Although these traditionally revolve around the personal recognition of candidates and local programmes, they are never entirely separate from national politics. A strong showing by coalition parties at the local level would further strengthen political stability and send a clear signal that citizens support the course of change gradually being implemented by the government. However, the key event will be the December referendum on the Law on Emergency Measures for Slovenia’s Development. Its significance extends far beyond the law itself. In reality, the vote will be framed as a choice between development and maintaining the status quo. It will show whether Slovenia is capable of continuing reforms, decentralisation, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and promoting economic growth, or whether every serious reform will once again become hostage to political blockades by the transitional left, trade unions, and left-wing NGOs allegedly dependent on state funding and taxpayer money.
The transitional left does not choose its methods selectively. The first target was the Resni.ca party, which supports the government from the opposition benches. Attacks on coalition parties are said to be intensifying. This as a tried-and-tested tactic of attacking first the supposedly weaker link and then moving against stronger opponents. Therefore, the “assault” of the transitional left must be neutralised or stopped. Otherwise, the same outcome may occur as in the referendum on “clean drinking water.”