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Education minister faces union revolt over privatization claims

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The country's education sector is embroiled in controversy as the SVIZ trade union, led by secretary Branimir Štrukelj, strongly criticized the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth and Minister Borut Rončević. The union alleges that the newly formed expert council for education reform excludes unions and includes "incompetent people," labeling the reform a "smokescreen for planned privatization." State Secretary Mojca Škrinjar is coordinating the council.

Meanwhile, the ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, faces accusations of using its 'Four Times FOR' referendum campaign as a facade to exploit social issues. Further political news includes reports of a secret government plan for public sector employment reductions and Human Rights Ombudswoman Simona Drenik Bavdek raising concerns about political influence on prosecutor appointments.

In other domestic news, police are investigating 194 criminal offenses related to child pornography, and tests revealed dangerous chemicals in everyday items and children's clothing. On the public health front, a study indicated a decrease in smoking rates but a rise in obesity among Slovenians. Basketball star Luka Dončić has reportedly filed a court request for the return of his daughters to the United States.

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Education Reform Controversy and Union Criticism

The SVIZ trade union and its secretary Branimir Štrukelj have vehemently criticized the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth and Minister Borut Rončević, alleging that the expert council for education reform excludes unions and appoints "incompetent people," describing the reform as a "smokescreen for planned privatization." State Secretary Mojca Škrinjar is coordinating the council.

Coalition Accused of Referendum Campaign Misuse

The ruling coalition is accused of using a referendum campaign with the slogan 'Four Times FOR' as a facade to exploit social issues, foreigners, and public broadcasting (RTV).

Delo Referendum 'Four Times FOR' as a Mask, Coalition Abuses Social Issues… ↗

Government Plans Public Sector Cuts and Long-Term Strategy

A confidential government strategy outlining planned reductions in public sector employment has been revealed, alongside an opinion piece suggesting the right-wing political bloc is strategically planning to predetermine the outcome of the 2030 elections.

Necenzurirano The Right is on a mission. Its goal is to have the 2030 elections decided in… ↗
Necenzurirano Secret plan for government cuts in public sector revealed. ↗

Human Rights Ombudsman Questions Prosecutor Appointments

Human Rights Ombudswoman Simona Drenik Bavdek questions whether future governments will appoint their own prosecutors, expressing concerns about political divisions within the prosecutor's office.

Mladina Interview: Will Every Government Appoint Its Prosecutors? ↗

Dangerous Chemicals Found in Consumer Products

Testing has revealed the presence of hazardous chemicals in various everyday items, including laundry products, headphones, children's t-shirts, and even within children's bodies.

Police Investigate Child Pornography Offenses

Police investigated 194 criminal offenses related to the distribution of pornographic material featuring children last year, highlighting concerns about the digital divide's dangers.

Delo It's Not Just the Real World That's Dangerous, But Also Its Digital Divide ↗

Public Health Trends: Smoking Down, Obesity Up

A recent study indicates a positive trend of decreasing smoking rates among Slovenians, but also a concerning rise in obesity levels across the population.

Dnevnik Slovenian Health: Fewer Smokers, More Obese ↗

Luka Dončić Files Court Request for Daughters' Return to US

Basketball star Luka Dončić has reportedly filed a court request for the return of his daughters to the United States following a separation.