Liberal democracy will come face-to-face with Eurosceptic populism in Slovenia in crucially important elections this March.
Ahead of this, the Renew Europe Group Presidency met in Ljubljana last week to reaffirm their support for Slovenia’s pro-European direction. Prime Minister Robert Golob's campaign urges stability along with democratic reforms and actions.
The delegation of leading MEPs stressed that past far-right leadership isolated Slovenia from Europe, weakening partners’ trust and reversing democratic progress. That reign is over and should never come back.
The visit underlined Slovenia’s strategic role at the heart of Europe, alongside the essential pillars of democratic media and institutional strength. Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer commented on the visit:
“We are in Ljubljana because Slovenia matters, at the heart of Europe. 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 next month is a key moment to show European resolve to stand up to far-right politics. Gibanje Svoboda under Prime Minister Robert Golob 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.
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.”
Irena Joveva MEP (Gibanje Svoboda, SI) detailed the importance of the election:
“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.”