By: dr. Metod Berlec
In this issue of Demokracija, we take a closer look at the work of the former prime minister, former minister of infrastructure, and now MP of the Freedom Movement, Alenka Bratušek, whom insiders describe as the “queen of annexes” and even as a “walking scandal”.
This issue of Demokracija takes a close look at the work of former prime minister, former minister of infrastructure, and now MP of the Freedom Movement, Alenka Bratušek, a left‑wing politician accompanied by a long trail of controversial decisions, staffing interventions, and unusual tenders linked to multi‑billion‑euro infrastructure projects. Because of such a past, a legitimate question arises: how is it possible that she now heads the parliamentary commission for the oversight of public finances – the very body meant to ensure transparent use of taxpayers’ money? And this despite a recording published in March 2026 on Facebook by the profile Maske padajo, which placed her under serious suspicion. In it, former Freedom Movement secretary‑general Vesna Vuković claims that “a certain Tičar told her directly where Alenka steals” – in the Second Track project, through the company Mind Inženiring from Ormož, which allegedly received €2.5 million from 2TDK for “super‑supervision”, even though it had only two employees. The recordings were reportedly made in autumn 2023, just before the dismissal of the director of the Infrastructure Directorate, Bojan Tičar. Bratušek denies Vuković’s claims, but has not yet filed a lawsuit against her.
But the recordings merely confirmed what had long been said and written. During Bratušek’s tenure, infrastructure contracts were frequently amended with annexes that increased project values and extended deadlines. Renovations of railway stations became synonymous with extravagance, and the influence of interest groups – often mentioning Kolektor owner Stojan Petrič – remained a constant in infrastructure policy. Experts warn that Bratušek was likely only part of a system enabling the flow of public money through state‑owned companies and political networks. As chair of the commission for public finance oversight, she is even believed by legal experts to be exceeding her powers, which led Marko Lotrič and Monika Kirbiš Rojs to file a criminal complaint against her. For many, her leadership of the commission, and the oversight it is supposed to provide, resembles the old saying: “Like putting a fox in charge of guarding the henhouse.”
In the magazine, we also publish an interview with Romana Tomc, vice‑president of the European People’s Party (EPP). She warns that Europe is facing a crisis of confidence, loss of competitiveness, security challenges, and a demographic winter. According to her, the EU must strengthen its industry, secure its borders, reduce bureaucracy, and once again believe in itself. She emphasises that the EPP is not abandoning its values, but is shifting priorities – placing more focus on competitiveness, energy, security, and family. Despite political shifts, the EPP remains a central European force, capable of shaping solutions, seeking compromises, and assuming responsibility. This is why, in Tomc’s view, it is crucial that the SDS remains part of the EPP (despite the turbulent developments involving MEP Branko Grims), as only in this way can it effectively influence European decisions. With his knowledge, experience, and wisdom, SDS president and prime minister Janez Janša, who enjoys the trust of European leaders, can play an important role in this.
