By: A. H. (Nova2tv)
Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko (Levica) caused surprise and ridicule in the public with her statement that Janez Janša’s support for the referendum on defence spending was merely “a manoeuvre to sabotage.” Her claim not only undermines logic but also trivialises the significance of a referendum as a democratic tool.
When asked on RTV Slovenia about the support of two parties that advocate for increased defence spending and NATO membership, Vrečko replied that for them, “the important decision of the National Assembly is to hold a referendum and discuss defence spending,” but she could not resist making an accusation against the SDS leader, even if nonsensical: “Janez Janša will do absolutely anything to return to power. This was his manoeuvre.”
The statement sparked a wave of sarcastic comments on X. One user wrote: “Explained why Golob did not pour manure on Levica. Because Levica was not sabotaging the coalition by proposing a referendum, Janša was sabotaging them… by supporting their proposal. So Levica had a plan to succeed with the referendum without SDS support.”
Another user added: “Levica proposed the referendum, convinced it would not pass, but they would look good to voters for fighting in every way possible for lower defence spending. But that evil Janez Janša, he ruined their plan!” Meanwhile, a third commented: “So, in Slovenia, free and independent voting is now forbidden. Democracy is not for fools.”
Minister Asta Vrečko’s claim that Janez Janša’s support for the defence spending referendum was a “manoeuvre to sabotage” is absurd for two reasons. First, it is logically nonsensical, Levica proposed the referendum, Janša supported it, yet his support is labelled problematic. This undermines the purpose of political dialogue. Second, the claim trivialises the meaning of the referendum as a democratic tool. By implying that support for it is merely political manipulation, it diminishes its legitimacy and reduces democracy to ideological games.
The proposal for a consultative referendum on increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP, initiated by Levica, was first unexpectedly supported by the coalition partner Social Democrats, and then during the vote in the National Assembly, also by both opposition parties, SDS and NSi, both of which support raising defence spending. This was followed by the announcement from the Gibanje Svoboda’s leader, Prime Minister Robert Golob, that voters would also be asked whether they still support Slovenia’s membership in the NATO alliance.
