Slovenians are the latest to head to the polls in what many are forecasting will be crunch elections later this month.
It may be small in both size and population (just 2.1 million) but the outcome of the country’s parliamentary elections on 22 March will be closely observed, not least in Brussels.
The election sees incumbent Slovenian PM Robert Golob go up against a right-wing rival, the country’s former three-time PM Janez Janša.
With the populist movement on the march throughout Europe, Slovenia will find itself for once in the spotlight, at least in political circles.
According to a recent poll of polls in Politico, Janša’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) currently leads the race although it also cautions that Golob’s Freedom Movement and its liberal-left coalition might still hold sway come election night.
Another poll said the centre-right to right-wing SDS-EPP leads in our polling average with 29% while the governing coalition (liberal GS-RE, centre-left SD-S&D and left-wing L-LEFT) is at a combined 37%.
In Brussels, where Golob’s Freedom Movement is aligned with the Renew Europe group in the EU Parliament while the SDS is in the EPP fold, increasing attention is being paid to the election.
Last month, political groups were in Ljubliana for a series of meetings ahead of the national elections.
RE reaffirmed its support for what it calls Slovenia’s “pro European direction thanks to Robert Golob’s reforms and actions.”
The RE delegation of leading MEPs stressed that “the past far right leadership” had led to “European isolation for Slovenia, weakened trust with partners and reversed hard won democratic progress.”
“That time is over and should never come back,” the declared.
The visit, they added, underlined Slovenia’s strategic role “at the heart” of Europe and the “importance of safeguarding liberal democracy, free media and strong institutions.”
Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer said: “At a time when populists across Europe are working to weaken democratic institutions, Slovenia stands out for having chosen a different path and proven that this way delivers.”
“In a Europe navigating uncharted waters, stable, centrist and pro European leadership is a democratic asset Europe urgently needs. Slovenia’s election is a key moment to show European resolve to stand up to far right politics.”
The MEP said that, under Golob, Slovenia has an “unprecedented opportunity to score a win for modern European liberal values — to continue necessary reforms to healthcare and to promote sustainable economic growth.”
Hayer added: “Under previous governments led by Trump fanatic Janez Janša, Slovenia experienced attacks on media freedom, deepening political polarisation and alignment with illiberal leaders such as Viktor Orbán. Those years weakened democratic trust and damaged Slovenia’s credibility in Europe.”
Fellow RE MEP and Vice – President Irena Joveva added, “This election is about Slovenia’s democratic compass and its European future.
“Citizens have a clear choice between constructive, pro European leadership and a return to polarisation and illiberal politics. We cannot ignore the very real risks of going backwards.
“Figures close to the SDS have even raised the prospect of deploying ICE like forces in Slovenia in case of victory. People can judge for themselves what such a vision would mean for society, fundamental rights and democratic standards. We stand with those who defend the rule of law, media freedom and open society, and we will continue to work to keep Slovenia among the leaders of democracy in Europe.”
The Socialist group in the EU parliament describe the election as “a crunch moment for Slovenia and Europe.”
The Socialists and Democrats recently adopted a “Ljublijana Declaration” which, it says, sends a message “offering a positive alternative: a future of hope built on peace, equality, a decent life, solidarity, cooperation, and an end to toxic polarisation and hatred”.
Iratxe García, S&D leader, says Slovenian Social Democrats have shown that they are “in touch with people, that they represent a strong progressive alternative, and that Slovenia is a key member of the European family”.
The Spanish MEP added: “Slovenia is a living example of what is at stake for Europe. The choice is clear: a strong, democratic future at the heart of Europe, or a slide towards the margins under far-right extremism.”
“That is why the S&D Group endorsed a declaration with a clear message to the European People’s Party: expel Janez Janša’s SDS party for its anti-European path. Europe must not repeat past mistakes by appeasing forces that erode democracy. There must be no place in Europe’s democratic family for parties that align themselves with those who pose a direct threat to the European project, our security and sovereignty.
“We categorically reject authoritarian practices, attacks on independent media, pressure on civil society organizations, discrimination against minorities, backlash on women’s rights, and restrictions on peaceful assembly and association. There must be no place for ICE-like forces on Slovenian or any European streets.
“Only through democracy can we ensure competitiveness and a decent life for Europeans. The S&D Group will continue to defend democracy with courage and conviction, standing for a sovereign, free, strong, proud, and just Europe where the people, the rule of law and fundamental rights always come first.”
Further comment comes from Matjaž Nemec, S&D MEP and head of its Slovenian delegation, who argues that Slovenia and the EU need “strong social democracy” because “it is the only stable and progressive political force capable of consistently defending people’s interests and standing up to the far right and all forms of populism.”
“This,” adds the deputy “is also reflected in the cooperation of the largest European political family, the European People’s Party, with parties that embody populism, such as Slovenia’s SDS.
The EPP, the largest political group in the EU parliament, was also in Ljubljana recently for meetings.
EPP Group Vice-Chair, Slovenian MEP Romana Tomc, says, “Populists on the left and right oppose everything without proposing anything. The EPP must reject cooperation with far-left authoritarian governments, such as the current Slovenian government.”
She says the country faces “serious challenges” under “the current far-left government, that pretends to be liberal.”
“Businesses are leaving, the health-care system is deteriorating, and democratic institutions are under strain. This cannot continue, which is why strong partners in the Europe are more important than ever”, says Tonin.
EPP Group Chair Manfred Weber, a veteran German MEP, argues that, under the leadership of SDS President Janez Janša, “and with determined and influential” Slovenian delegations within the EPP, Slovenia has a “powerful voice in Europe – shaping decisions, delivering results, and creating high living standards for Europeans”.
A counter argument is put forward by Golob, a former energy entrenpreneur who, in a recent interview with Politico portrayed his opponent as a threat to the EU itself.
He told Politico that, if successful in the election, Janez Janša could link up with Hungary’s Victor Orban in trying to break up the EU.
“That’s really the danger or the battle that we are now in,” he told the paper.
Clearly, this is an election that really does matter and one with significant ripple effects far beyond Slovenia’s borders.
Image: Government of Slovenia
