NEWS

Prime Minister’s press conference

At a press conference today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, outlined the major resolutions and decisions adopted by the Government at its 24th regular session. He opened by saying that, at today’s session, the Government discussed the implementation of the anti-crisis measures adopted so far and was satisfied with the work done.
 

(Foto: Daniel Novakovič/STA)

 
In this context, the Prime Minister once again highlighted the Government’s commitment to social dialogue. “In relation to the adoption of anti-crisis measures, the words most often used are either speed or slowness. We decided to give priority to social dialogue. In confronting the challenges of the crisis, it is paramount to find a fair compromise among social partners, and this takes time. I am sure that this decision will bear fruit” he added.
 
At today’s session, the Government has taken note of Slovenia’s preparedness to control the new influenza virus strain and of current activities and measures adopted in this regard.  The Government has set up a national coordination group for influenza pandemic, comprising state secretaries from relevant ministries, and representatives of the Institute of Public Health and the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana. This coordination group, which is headed by the Minister of Health, will closely monitor the development of the situation and implement suitable measures. The Government has also decided to release, should the need arise, stocks of the antiviral drug Tamiflu from the national commodity reserves. In this context, the Prime Minister stressed that he was closely monitoring the situation and was confident that the Slovenian health system was ready to respond to the threat constituted by this virus.  He further stressed that, should there be an escalation of risk due to the virus, the first priority of the Government will be people’s health.
 
At today’s session, the Government also took note of the draft intervention act on partial refund of wage compensation. This act is intended to limit the impact of the world economic crisis. The aim of the act is to maintain the jobs of workers temporarily laid-off, through wage compensation. It also provides funds for their training and education during this period.

 

The Government also approved the text of the Co-existence of Genetically Modified Plants with Other Agricultural Plants Act. This act establishes measures for ensuring co-existence and preventing the presence of genetically modified organisms in genetically unmodified plants or produce.  It also defines the procedure of notification of the production of genetically modified plants and the obligations of growers, as well as inspection methods and sanctions for violations.