By: Dr Metod Berlec
Last week, Slovenia’s capital was marked by visits from the leadership of three political groups in the European Parliament ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections: alongside the European People’s Party (EPP), also the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) and the liberals from Renew.
The support of the largest political group in the EP was welcomed most enthusiastically by SDS and NSi, even though some dissatisfaction with certain EPP decisions in recent years can be sensed. But as SDS president Janez Janša explained on X, the EPP is not a classic national party but an alliance of national parties that also hold differing positions, since the EU is not a single state but a union of states. “Decisions are made (as long as that remains possible) only through compromises among 27 countries. And without the EPP (which does not even hold 25 percent of the votes), it is impossible either to push through a decision to the right or to stop some madness on the left. That is why, despite all the criticism and mistakes, the EPP remains the place where the most can still be achieved in the battle for the cause.”
EPP leader Manfred Weber expressed clear and firm support for SDS and NSi, saying that EPP parties in Slovenia should receive a mandate to implement shared European priorities. Among these, he highlighted strengthening competitiveness, economic power, security, and more effective prevention of illegal migration. He warned that Slovenia is lagging behind in strengthening its economic performance, citing Croatia as an example, a country that is already catching up with Slovenia in economic dynamism. Janša welcomed Weber’s support and emphasised that SDS, together with NSi and their joint list, aims to form the next government. He pointed to economic stability as a key concern. He recalled that Slovenia recorded more than eight percent growth in 2021, while last year growth was ten times lower. He also highlighted problems in the rule of law and judicial independence and expressed the expectation that European institutions will devote more attention to these issues. He also responded to calls from the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), who urged the EPP to expel SDS. He stressed that such demands do not surprise him, as they continue the left’s approach of “building a negative campaign instead of a program.”
The absurdity of calls to expel SDS from the EPP is evident from the fact that they come from the ranks of the losers of the last European elections. Things are not looking good for them in their home countries either. In Spain, the socialists of Pedro Sánchez are in power, moving from one corruption scandal to another. His migration policy is destructive for both Spain and Europe. In Ljubljana, the loudest voice was Valérie Hayer, leader of the liberal Renew Europe group, who supports Macron’s Renaissance party in France and represented several French liberal parties in the European elections. Her group suffered a significant defeat, triggering political upheaval in France. After the electoral failure, Macron dissolved the parliament, plunging the country into a new political crisis. Sánchez and Macron are losers, just like Golob’s left‑wing coalition, which is receiving support from Europe’s political losers.