Archived edition · August 19, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Slovenia

Slovenia

News summary for

Go to today →

Graft 🧐

Ministers Face New Graft Probes; Parliament Head Under Pressure

Slovenia's political scene is grappling with fresh allegations of financial misconduct, directly implicating two serving cabinet members. The Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Borut Rončević, is under scrutiny over claims of profiting from the sale of a state-funded faculty, while Minister of Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj faces accusations of repeatedly using state funds for a family car. These developments intensify ongoing concerns about accountability within the government.

Further political turbulence is evident in a growing petition calling for the resignation of National Assembly President Zoran Stevanović, which has garnered over 48,000 signatures. Concurrently, MP Žan Mahnič is pursuing a legislative change to restrict the President's access to classified information, adding another layer of tension to the country's institutional landscape. Meanwhile, a national discussion is underway regarding the significant financial commitment required to implement free school meals for all elementary students by 2027.

In other news, the acclaimed actress Milena Zupančič received a final farewell with state honors.

Top stories

Ministers Face New Financial Misconduct Allegations

New investigative reports have surfaced with specific allegations of financial misconduct against two currently serving ministers. Borut Rončević, the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, is accused of becoming wealthy by selling a state-funded faculty. Separately, Janez Cigler Kralj, the Minister of Agriculture, is alleged to have once again used state funds to purchase a car for his family's use.

National Assembly President Under Resignation Pressure and Scrutiny

National Assembly President Zoran Stevanović is facing significant calls for his resignation, with a petition collecting over 48,000 signatures. Concurrently, MP Žan Mahnič is reportedly seeking to limit the President's access to classified information, a move with potential political implications that is seen as part of broader attacks on the President and the constitutional court.

Funding and Challenges for Free School Meals

Plans to introduce free school meals for all elementary students by September 2027 are moving forward, but will require an estimated 100 million euros annually to cover cooks' salaries. Schools are anticipating significant challenges in terms of preparation and capacity to accommodate the new program.

Scrutiny Over Logar's Campaign Funding

An analysis of political campaign finances indicates that Anže Logar's campaign was among the most expensive, with the sources of a significant portion of its funds remaining undisclosed. Further investigation claims that Logar's associates provided two million to the daughter of Tomaz Ročnik, a person previously assisted by the state.

Concerns Over Foreign Capital in Media Dealings

Reports are investigating potential media manipulation, raising questions about whether Hungarian capital, with alleged links to Viktor Orban, is gaining control of the N1 news channel and the SDS party's television channel.

Legal Case Concludes for Sutarjevec's Attacker

The sentence for the individual who attacked Sutarjevec has been legally confirmed, bringing a conclusion to the high-profile legal case.

News sources