By: Vida Kocjan
Slovenia’s economic situation is very fragile and dangerously dependent on excessively high public spending. The country’s nominal debt has increased by more than 8 billion euros during Golob’s term, the fiscal space is shrinking to its limits, and the public‑finance deficit is abnormally high.
Golob’s government created an illusion of stability through crude handouts, above all through large public‑sector pay rises and social transfers. Instead of encouraging competitiveness, productivity, and private investment, it preferred to finance current spending that exceeds the country’s capacities. The economy has been pushed to the edge of sustainability, without any real developmental momentum.
Dr Mojmir Mrak sharply warns that Slovenia has no operational strategy for economic development. The 2017 Slovenia Development Strategy 2030 is an outdated “wish list”. Golob’s government did not adopt a new comprehensive strategy, which is why Mrak calls for an urgent overarching document with realistic scenarios – especially ahead of the EU’s 2028–2034 financial framework. Without this, drawing European funds will be difficult.
Dr Janez Šušteršič cautions that public finances are at the absolute outer limit of what is possible. According to him, Golob’s team lived far beyond the country’s means, deficits are piling up, and productivity growth is far too low. Policy prefers to redistribute the existing pie rather than enlarge it through serious reforms and greater competitiveness. An immediate developmental shift and a sober reassessment are needed.
Dr Matej Lahovnik also criticises the severe inefficiency in public spending, where political logic completely overrides economic logic (for example: long‑term care). Dr Anže Burger warns of a large deficit caused by uncontrolled growth in public‑sector labour costs and notes that Slovenia has become unattractive for creative and independent individuals due to its high tax wedge and bureaucratic regulations.
Economists agree: without an ambitious strategy, Slovenia risks long‑term lagging behind Europe’s more dynamic economies. The time has come for a decisive turn toward development.
