NEWS

Prime Minister’s press conference

Speaking at a press conference today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, outlined major resolutions and decisions adopted by the Government at its 13th regular session. By way of introduction, the Prime Minister stressed that tackling the financial and economic crisis remained the top priority of the Government. “The global financial crisis is deepening and, through business events, is starting to affect Slovenia as well,” asserted the Prime Minister. He stressed, however, that the Government, headed by the “crisis group of ministers”, has taken active steps to adopt a second package of measures to ease the financial and economic crisis.

 

(Photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA)

 

In light of the above, at today’s session the Government adopted the proposed law on imposing temporary pay cuts for political office holders. A total of 1,690 political office holders will thus see their basic salary cut by 4%. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Government, which is responsible for pay policy, believed that more should be contributed by those with higher salaries.

 

At today’s session, the Government welcomed the progress made in negotiations with representatives of the public sector trade unions. “We are aware that the outcome of negotiations will fully meet neither the expectations of the trade unions nor those of the Government. However, we do expect that, in light of the current financial situation, we will reach a reasonable compromise,” said Mr Pahor.

 

Ministers today finalised the manner and method of cooperation of professional circles in appointments to the bodies of public institutes. Appointments of staffing and accreditation councils are foreseen in the following areas: education and sport; family and social affairs; higher education; science and technology; culture and justice; health; agriculture, forestry and food; and the environment and spatial planning. The Prime Minister said that, in Slovenia, this would set a new standard in the way in which appointments to bodies of public institutes are made. He announced that he would inform the public before the summer of the success and effects of the work of staffing and accreditation councils, and of their experience gained in the process.

 

With regard to the 26th Winter Universiade 2013 in Maribor, the Prime Minister wished the project every success. He pointed out, however, that all already existing resources in Slovenia should be utilised in order for the project to be implemented economically.