By: AJ (Nova24tv)
Minister of Education, Science and Youth Borut Rončević used posts on X to draw attention to what he describes as unacceptable manipulation by the SVIZ teachers’ union and its chief secretary, Branimir Štrukelj, while also responding to criticism from Asta Vrečko, coordinator of The Left party. Union representatives and the opposition are attempting to block education reform by spreading misinformation.
SVIZ boasts that it has collected 22,605 signatures against the education reform. The signatures were gathered in opposition to the suspension of pay reform, changes to the composition of school and kindergarten governing boards, and the exclusion of SVIZ from participation in the education reform process affecting employees in kindergartens and schools. “These signatures give the union a full mandate to defend these positions and, if necessary, enter into conflict with the authorities,” said Branimir Štrukelj.
Minister Borut Rončević responded to Branimir Štrukelj on X, stating that collecting signatures against layoffs and wage cuts is not a valid argument against education reform. “Let me be completely clear: we are planning neither layoffs nor wage reductions,” Rončević emphasised.
During the signature-gathering campaign, we encountered “an exceptionally high degree of caution, and even fear,” said chief secretary Branimir Štrukelj. For that reason, the union assured employees that, exceptionally, the signatures would not be forwarded to the ministry this time.
Minister Borut Rončević emphasised that he respects the signatories and their concerns but rejects the notion that their signatures should be presented as a general mandate to oppose the education reform as a whole.
Rončević: Employees deserve clear information
“According to information from numerous school principals, union representatives encouraged employees to sign by telling them to do so if they opposed layoffs and wage cuts. Employees deserve clear information, not the creation of fear,” the minister believes.
Štrukelj fears for his position
Branimir Štrukelj’s statements and public posts suggest that he is concerned about losing his influence, which is considerable. Štrukelj has not yet come to terms with the ministry’s attempt, through a circular issued at the beginning of October, to limit union activities in kindergartens and schools. This constituted an infringement on the right of trade unions to operate freely. He even went so far as to publicly call on others to oppose the ministry’s actions.
SVIZ functions as an extension of left-wing parties
There is no need to emphasise that the SVIZ trade union, like other unions within the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions of Slovenia, is considerably more radical in its opposition to right-wing governments than to left-wing ones. It organises strikes, protests, and referendum campaigns and strongly opposes reform initiatives. Branimir Štrukelj has led the union for several decades and claims that the salary he receives for this role is not consistent with the positions he publicly advocates.
They even politicised the abolition of the nine-year primary school system
While parents support the abolition of the nine-year primary school system, Asta Vrečko, coordinator of The Left, wrote: “After 45 days, the Committee on Education was finally convened to discuss Minister Rončević’s announcement regarding the abolition of the nine-year school system. Such thoughtless public statements leave teachers, parents, and students in uncertainty. The nine-year system took almost a decade to prepare.”
Rončević: Nine years of schooling do not automatically mean more knowledge
“The introduction of a modern eight-year primary school system is part of a broader reform whose goal is improved literacy, stronger knowledge, and better working conditions for teachers,” Rončević replied to Asta Vrečko.
In a post on X, he stated that public education is strengthened by solving its problems. The goal is a high-quality and accessible public school system. “As for accusations of ideological purges and privatisation, the public expects concrete evidence. Of course, there will be none, because it is much easier to mislead people and spread fear,” he added.
Trade unions and left-wing governments have been holding back progress in education for decades
Minister Borut Rončević suggests that what particularly angered Asta Vrečko was his willingness to identify those whom he sees as obstacles to educational reform: “What clearly upsets her is that I openly state who opposes the reform and who has helped shape the current system for decades. Pointing out their positions, influence, and responsibility is not discreditation. Opponents of the reform must also accept critical scrutiny of their actions.”
By their conduct, they insult teachers and everyone working in education
“Teachers and school principals with practical experience are participating in the Strategic Council,” Rončević stated in his post. He continued: “If you label them as political allies, you are not undermining their professional expertise. You are simply insulting professionals who are working to reform a system that is in deep crisis. Educational expertise extends far beyond the educational establishment.”
Reactions on social media
Comments under the minister’s post, according to the article, show that many people are no longer persuaded by what it describes as populist claims about layoffs and wage cuts.
Stara Velenjčanka wrote: “The UDBA crowd should be told that we do not go to school to become ignorant communists. Human beings are creative and hardworking, and the human mind is extraordinary, which is why we have progressed as a civilisation. Asta, what have your achievements in education been? Do you dare show results that can be measured? What is your doctorate in?”
Hermetic corpus, wrote: “Three-quarters of parent councils should today, or rather yesterday, be made up of IT specialists, physicists, and classical philosophers. That’s my view.”
Balerina added: “Congratulations, Minister Rončević, for not giving in to these confused union activists. Their hostility toward you and the government is already bordering on a real war, one they are waging together with activists and the media. Don’t give up; many of us voted for this government.”