NEWS

Prime Minister's press conference held after the Government’s 125th regular session

At today's 125th regular session, the Government took note of the information concerning the nuclear accident in Japan and its causes and consequences. The Government also laid down the text of the Act Amending the Road Transport Act and adopted the wording of the State Prosecutor Act. The competent ministers outlined the major resolutions and Prime Minister Pahor answered some topical questions of the press.

   

Today, the Government was acquainted with the information concerning the nuclear accident in Japan. This accident does not and cannot have any direct consequences for Slovenia; therefore, no immediate protective measures are required in our country. Slovenia has prepared a national nuclear accident protection plan which includes a range of protective measures to be taken in case of a nuclear accident occurring in Slovenia or surrounding areas. In a few weeks, organisations responsible for protection and relief will hold a national exercise (INEX) with a view to testing their respective preparedness and measures. The Nuclear Safety Administration of the Republic of Slovenia gives assurances that the Krško nuclear plant has been adequately constructed to withstand potential earthquake tremors without consequences. Through continuous improvement, we keep abreast of professional developments and new findings in ensuring safe operation and construction resistance to extraordinary loads caused by natural disasters. Today, the Government allocated EUR 150,000 in humanitarian aid to Japan out of the budgetary reserve; aid will be donated via the Red Cross.

   

At today's session, the ministerial corps agreed on the text of the amendments to the Road Transport Act, which particularly aims at the adoption of certain measures that would indirectly or directly contribute to the reduction of negative effects of the economic crisis in road transport operations. The amendments regulate payment discipline in the field of freight and passenger transport given that a healthy payment discipline can keep the sector in good and healthy shape.

   

The Government has also adopted the draft State Prosecutor Act, which brings about the depoliticisation, i.e. the shift of the politics away from recruitment to the Office of the Prosecutor, and increases the transparency of procedures. Under the new arrangements, the State Prosecutor General will be appointed by the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia on a reasoned proposal of the State Prosecutors' Council and after acquiring the prior opinion of the Government; the appointment will be for six years and may be renewed. In addition, the draft act strengthens and regulates the competencies of the Group of State Prosecutors for the Prosecution of Organised Crime in a transparent way; the Group will become an independent State Prosecutor's Office named "Specialised Office of the State Prosecutor of the Republic of Slovenia".

   

In reply to the question concerning companies with state holdings, Prime Minister Pahor said that the Government would discuss the issues relating to state's equity holdings on a weekly basis. "I have decided that, at the end of each Government session, the Minister of Finance is to report on the situation, issues and solutions in this area,” he said. At the same time, he expects the Capital Assets Management Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, which is still in the initial phase of operation, to draft a management strategy for state equity holdings as soon as possible. “This strategy is very much expected," added Prime Minister Pahor. In our efforts to align all dominoes for the final economic and social recovery of our country, we need an active agency for capital assets management, which will be capable of taking responsible decisions.

   

Regarding the meeting with the President of the Board of Pivovarna Laško, Prime Minister Pahor said that the meeting would not take place since it would in no way contribute to the current situation but rather increase the speculations. “In view of a heated issue and increased mistrust in such past meetings, it is better that at this moment the meeting, which I would otherwise hold in good faith, does not take place" said Prime Minister Pahor at the press conference.