SloveniaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1991
Ownership
Demokracija is a right-wing weekly published by Nova obzorja d.o.o. In July 2017 the Hungarian company Ripost / R-Post-R (Peter Schatz, an Orban-linked investor) acquired a majority (~65.85%) of Nova obzorja. That two-thirds stake was subsequently transferred to NovaTV24.si (the company behind Nova24TV), while the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) holds about 30.14% and SDS MP Dejan Kaloh about 4%, so the publisher is jointly controlled by the SDS and its allied Nova24TV company.
Funding
Financed through subscriptions/sales and advertising, but underpinned by the same SDS- and (formerly) Hungarian-capital-backed network that funds Nova24TV; effectively subsidized by party-aligned ownership rather than standing on commercial revenue alone.
Affiliation & stance
Demokracija functions as the party magazine of the SDS, with ownership shared by the SDS, an SDS MP and the SDS-aligned Nova24TV company. Because it is controlled by a political party and its allied interests, it is classified DEPENDENT (right).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 291
78/100
Factual
64/100
Objective
313
Articles
313
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Another Freedom cadre leaves the top of a major medical establishment
The article reports that Vojko Flis, director of the University Clinical Center (UKC) Maribor, has resigned from his position. Flis cited recent developments in the emergency department as the reason for his resignation. He stated that he believes it is time to allow another team to lead the institution successfully, as it has been led thus far. According to Flis, 39 specialists work in the emergency department at UKC Maribor, but over 30% are partially employed. He explained that the former head had requested that they proceed in such a way that these doctors would not leave, and in good faith that the work in the emergency center would continue as it should, he allowed them to be partially employed, which inevitably prevents good organization of work in the emergency center. He took responsibility for this and therefore, as director of UKC Maribor, he resigns. Flis thanked all employees and employees for the quality care provided to patients. His departure followed the change of government earlier this year and subsequent changes in representatives of the founder of the institution two weeks ago. Leadership was taken over by a former candidate of the Freedom Movement for mayor of
Oil derivatives with lower day-ahead prices
The prices of regulated fuel products at gas stations outside highways in Slovenia will decrease starting tonight. The price reduction for 95-octane gasoline, which is currently at a record high, will be less pronounced, with a drop of 1.6 cents per liter to 1.744 euros. Diesel prices will fall by 4.6 cents per liter to 1.883 euros, while heating oil will also decrease by 1.506 euros per liter. The government did not lower taxes this time but adjusted the methodology used in the reference price, which no longer accounts for bio-components in the purchase price. Additionally, until December 15th, there is a temporary exemption from paying environmental fees related to carbon dioxide emissions and contributions to improve energy efficiency. Without this exemption, the cost of 95-octane gasoline would have been reduced by approximately 1.943 euros per liter, diesel by around 2.185 euros per liter, and heating oil by about 1.721 euros per liter. The government has also asked the European Commission for permission to temporarily reduce fuel taxes below the minimum level allowed by EU legislation if needed, though a decision from Brussels on this request has not yet been made. These fuel
The minister tells them that the architects of the current situation can't participate in the reform!
The article discusses concerns raised by Borut Rončevič regarding the composition of the expert committee tasked with reforming education and upbringing in Slovenia. Rončevič criticizes the leadership of the Slovenian Union of Workers' Organizations (SVIZ), suggesting they have not adequately considered including pedagogical experts who have long shaped the system. He argues that current practitioners and professionals closely tied to practice dominate the committee, while those responsible for guiding the system over decades, such as the pedagogical establishment, are absent. This exclusion, according to Rončevič, undermines the reform process, as those most accountable for past outcomes are not involved. The article highlights tensions between the government and labor organizations, particularly around educational reforms.
Military mountaineers in Bohinj: shared mountain experiences link countries and generations
An international roundtable discussion titled 'Connected by Mountains: From Shared Heritage to Future Cooperation' took place on October 3rd at the Cultural House Joža Ažman during the 40th Congress of the International Federation of Mountain Troops (IFMS). The event was hosted by the Association of Slovenian Mountain Troops (ZVGS) and brought together representatives from eleven countries. Participants included military personnel such as Colonel Leon Holc, Director of NATO's Centre of Excellence for Mountain Warfare in Poland, and other officers from various nations. The discussion focused on how shared experiences in mountainous environments foster understanding and cooperation among soldiers from different countries. Topics included common training standards, overcoming cultural differences through joint exercises, and the importance of passing down knowledge and skills from veteran troops to younger generations. The event highlighted both historical heritage and future challenges, including the impact of technological advancements on mountain warfare.
Military mountaineers in Pivka handed over a historic transport boat, on Bohinjska Bela they met modern military mountaineering
The Military Mountaineering Association of Slovenia (ZVGS) presented a historic military mountain transport boat to the Museum of Military History in Pivka during the visit of participants from the 40th Congress of the International Federation of Mountain Rescue (IFMS). The wooden boat, dating back to the 1930s, was likely used by units of the 1st Mountain Regiment of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, based in Škofja Loka. It was discovered in 2016 during the renovation of the Planinska Dom under Storžič and has been displayed in the memorial room of the Boštjančič Military House on Bohinj Lake before being donated to the museum. The donation marks the first contribution from ZVGS to the museum and aims to strengthen cooperation between institutions and promote the collection of military mountaineering equipment. The event highlighted the importance of preserving military mountaineering heritage and emphasized the role of mountain units in transporting supplies and providing support in challenging terrain.
Iddo Netanyahu, the younger brother of the Israeli Prime Minister, presented a book on hostage rescue in Ljubljana
Iddo Netanjahu, mlajši brat izraelskega premierja Benjamin Netanjahuja, je v Ljubljani predstavil ponatisnjeno knjigo 'Yonijeva zadnja bitka', ki opisuje operacijo Blisk in Grom, kjer je njegov brat Yonija Netanjahu, poveljnik enote Sayeret Matkal, izgubil življenje med reševanjem talcev leta 1976. Knjiga, prvotno izdana leta 1991, vsebuje pričeve iz udeležencev operacije in predstavlja povzetek priprav in izvedbe akcije. Operacija je bila ključna za izraelsko vojsko in jo je premier Jakov Rabin primerjal z 'izraelskim Prašičjim zalivom'. Iddo meni, da ni druga država v tistem času sposobna izvede take akcije. Knjiga bo kmalu izdana tudi v slovenščini.
Economists: This is the first concrete step towards a stronger Slovenia in terms of development!
The article features a statement from Vesna Nahtigal, General Director of the Slovenian Economic Chamber (GZS), who supports the 'Intervention Law' for development. She emphasizes that while the law does not solve all developmental challenges, it represents a concrete step toward making Slovenia more competitive and economically stronger. The GZS plans to actively support the law during the referendum campaign, highlighting benefits such as improved business environment, reduced living costs, and better working conditions. Nahtigal notes that despite high quality of life, Slovenia faces significant challenges like aging population and technological changes, which require a shift towards innovation and higher-value products. The chamber stresses that reforms should focus on competitiveness rather than just employment numbers. The GZS has received a mandate to support the law, which aligns with their 'Made in Slovenia' economic program. They maintain an independent stance, evaluating policies based on their impact rather than the proposer. The article mentions potential consequences if the law is rejected, including delayed important changes affecting citizens and the economy.
Is Brazil in danger of losing its notorious leftist authoritarian?
In the first round of presidential elections in Brazil, right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro received more votes than left-wing incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Neither candidate secured an absolute majority, leading to a second-round runoff scheduled for October 25. Bolsonaro's party also won majorities in parliamentary elections. According to preliminary results, Bolsonaro had 47.4% support, while Lula had 44.6%. This outcome surprised many, as opinion polls before the election suggested Lula was slightly ahead. Bolsonaro expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating Brazil would soon choose a modern government, while Lula remained confident of victory in the second round, promising to win over voters who did not participate in the first round. Lula's platform focused on continuing social programs and environmental protections, but his administration faces challenges like high living costs, public spending, debt, and corruption scandals. Bolsonaro promised reduced public spending and stricter crime policies, and if elected, he aims to grant amnesty to his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, currently serving a prison sentence for involvement in a coup. T,
For a complete picture of the world
The article is a letter to the editor by Franc Bešter discussing the concept of worldviews, comparing medieval religious views based on the Bible with modern scientific understanding. The author argues that while modern science has contributed valuable knowledge, it often presents itself as an absolute truth rather than a constructed model. He criticizes the Enlightenment rationalist approach, which he believes leads to a false perception of reality and is used to justify ideologies like communism. Bešter suggests that this form of rationalism suppresses critical thinking and promotes atheistic beliefs, drawing parallels between communist ideology and modern scientific dogmatism.
Israel: Settlements not illegal; annexation of Judea and Samaria not in violation of international law
The article argues that Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria are not illegal under international law. It references the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, which recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their traditional lands and resources. The article states that UN resolutions are merely recommendations and lack legal force. It further claims that the position taken by the European Union, France, the UK, Russia, China, and others, that Israeli settlements violate international law, is politically motivated rather than legally grounded. The article cites Article 80 of the UN Charter, emphasizing that existing rights cannot be altered by the UN unless explicitly agreed upon in specific treaties.
![[VIDEO] Dušan Smodej breaks the silence: I sympathize with the Left, Luka Mesec uses cocaine](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=demokracija.si%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F09%2Fpsc-dusan-smodej.webp&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
[VIDEO] Dušan Smodej breaks the silence: I sympathize with the Left, Luka Mesec uses cocaine
The article reports on an exclusive interview with Dušan Smodej, a former star of leftist 'cultural' circles and main actor in the photobooth scene, who has now spoken out publicly about his knowledge of Luka Mesec's cocaine use. Smodej confirms that Mesec uses cocaine and claims he personally witnessed him taking the drug. He also states that Asta Vrečko asked him to pretend they didn’t know each other. Smodej explains that he was previously pressured to remain silent, allegedly by Mesec himself, but decided to speak out after experiencing stress within the Left. He emphasizes that while he does not accuse Mesec of wrongdoing, he believes the situation highlights internal tensions within the group. The article notes that Smodej denies any wrongdoing or inappropriate relationships at his parties, though he acknowledges heavy alcohol and drug use occurred.
5600 participants at the Festival of Youth
The 45th edition of Stična Mladini, held at the Cistercian monastery in Stična, attracted 5,600 participants from across Slovenia, including over 200 volunteers. The event took place under the theme 'Vžgi srce' (Ignite the Heart), emphasizing love as a decision and commitment rather than just a feeling. Organizers highlighted understanding love through the lens of Jesus Christ, while guest speakers included Archbishop Janez Kozinc and international figures like American Dominican priest Gregory Pine and Croatian former basketball player Luka Klarica. Slovenian political figures such as Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister Valentin Hajdinjak attended, with Hajdinjak visiting the Slovenian Armed Forces booth. The event marked the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Slovenia, where he addressed young people with the message 'Pope loves you.' The week-long youth event concluded the Catholic Church's Youth Week in Slovenia, aiming to encourage society to recognize the importance of the younger generation and provide space for fellowship and deepening faith.
Minister Tone Kajzer: Slovenia must once again be seen as a reliable partner in Washington
Minister Tone Kajzer discussed Slovenia's foreign relations with Israel, Ukraine, the Middle East, and the United States. He denied allegations that Slovenia is selling itself to Israel or Zionists, emphasizing that Slovenia remains a sovereign state acting in its national interest. Kajzer explained that the government has restored diplomatic dialogue with Israel after previous policies weakened Slovenia's influence. He stressed that while Slovenia maintains clear positions on international law and peace between Israelis and Palestinians, it engages in dialogue with partners even when views differ. Kajzer highlighted Israel as a significant strategic partner for Slovenia, particularly in areas like technology, innovation, cybersecurity, medicine, and sustainable agriculture. He emphasized cooperation based on mutual interests rather than ideological alignment.