By: Moja Dolenjska
President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar stated in a public address that the legislative referendum on the pension supplement for exceptional artistic achievements “is not an appropriate move”.
MP Andrej Hoivik responded, telling Pirc Musar that the referendum is a constitutionally protected category and that her public statement on the matter was a reckless move.
Hoivik added: “Especially considering that, under this law, you will assume a significant share of responsibility, as recipients of your awards – whom you can personally select – will now also receive pension supplements. Why is the #referendum justified:
- The government and the Levica party raised the RTV Slovenia contribution, even though the Constitutional Court has yet to rule on its constitutionality.
- They introduced a new mandatory healthcare contribution (which previously did not exist), now required from all pensioners. Additionally, starting from July 1st, 2025, all pensioners will have to pay 1% of their monthly net pension for long-term care.
If we add everything up, for an average pension (900 euros in 2024), this means 580 euros less annually for the average Slovenian retiree. Meanwhile, the cultural elite will receive supplements under Asta Vrečko’s new law, ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 euros per month.”
Hoivik acknowledged that SDS Minister Dr Vasko Simoniti granted eight exceptional pensions in 2021 and 2022. However, he pointed out that the same government, under Janez Janša, did not raise taxes for pensioners but instead increased the general income tax allowance, adjusted pensions extraordinarily, and provided three rounds of solidarity allowances for the lowest pensions.
Public reactions to Pirc Musar’s statement on social media have been overwhelmingly negative, with users reiterating that she is still not the president of all citizens.
SDS leader Janez Janša commented:
“A move in the right place for Nataša Pirc Musar is issuing fictitious invoices to the Slovenian Red Cross (RKS) – essentially billing herself. For your money. But a referendum, a constitutional right of citizens, is not.”
With this, Janša reminded the public of the time when Pirc Musar was the president of RKS and allegedly issued invoices to the organisation for non-existent (fictitious) services.