NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor: “The goal is a competitive and socially coherent Slovenia”

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today convened the second development dialogue conference. The conference was attended by representatives of various social groups and institutions, as well as representatives of opposition parties, trade unions and non-governmental organisations.

 

The core theme of today’s development dialogue conference focused on structural changes that, in addition to measures for mitigating the economic crisis, are essential for slowing the downward trend in economic activity and other structural weaknesses highlighted by the economic crisis.

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

“The government’s goal is to ensure that Slovenia comes out of the crisis more competitive and stronger than at the beginning,” said Mr Pahor. He stressed that the purpose of today’s meeting was also to establish whether despite the current turbulent times there is majority support for the required structural adjustments necessary for achieving this goal. “It is also important to establish whether there is still some hesitation about these changes and what its nature is,” continued the Prime Minister.

 

“Because of its export orientation, Slovenia is ranked among the countries most affected by a decline in the economic activity,” explained Mr Pahor, going on to say that adjustments providing for better competitiveness and social security are required for this very reason. Both will be enhanced by investing in company innovations, encouraging the development of research and restructuring the economy, which is currently not technology-intensive enough. In this context, the government plans to prepare draft structural reform legislation by the end of this year, submit it to debate, i.e. public dialogue with the groups most affected by the reforms, and then also to the social partners for harmonisation.