SloveniaOwnership & classification
Founded: 2017
Ownership
Spletni časopis is a news site about politics and media founded in 2017 by veteran journalist and editor Peter Jančič (formerly of Večer, Delo and Siol.net), who is the responsible editor and director of the publisher. It is published by the institute Zavod za svobodo izražanja Ljubljana (ZASIZ) and registered in the Slovenian media register. It is a small, personally driven outlet rather than a corporate or party-owned title.
Funding
Funding comes from advertising and reader support, supplemented in some years by Ministry of Culture media co-financing grants (e.g. about 8,397 euros co-financing in 2019 via a public call). It has no large corporate backer or paywall-driven subscription base.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially Spletni časopis is markedly critical of left/liberal governments and sympathetic to the centre-right, and Jančič's commentary gives it a clear right-leaning stance (it is frequently cited approvingly by conservative outlets like Demokracija and Domovina). It is nonetheless privately/institute-owned with no formal party or state control, so it is classed INDEPENDENT (right-leaning).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 12
–
Factual
45/100
Objective
12
Articles
12
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
The following table summarises the data to be collected:
The article discusses the completion of construction work on Vršič Pass and raises critical questions about the state of the infrastructure project. It claims that authorities misled the public by attributing delays to winter conditions and tourist parking, while the real issue was poor planning and management. The article highlights that the Directorate of the Republic of Slovenia for Infrastructure (DRSI) issued a permit for partial road closure with one-way traffic from May to June 2026, which is standard practice outside peak season. However, the situation on Vršič was worse than the previous year despite similar weather conditions. Key concerns include who authorized the destruction of existing parking areas at the summit and their conversion into a construction site, despite nearby alternatives already being available. The article criticizes the lack of proper organization and safety measures during construction and questions why new regulations were introduced to ban parking if there were no parking spaces to begin with. It also points out that a free shuttle bus service, costing taxpayers €500,000, was implemented to compensate for the lack of parking, but this service will
The end of depoliticization: changing the way the online newspaper operates
The editor of Spletni časopis has announced that they will temporarily stop working on the platform due to taking on the role of chief editor at Siol.net. The website and all previously published articles will remain accessible to readers. The author expresses gratitude to supporters who helped sustain the publication during a period of depolitization in the media, initiated by the coalition led by Robert Golob. This depolitization affected Siol.net, leading to changes in leadership and staff challenges partly linked to pre-election reasons. The author highlights that Spletni časopis demonstrated that journalists could operate independently without backing from large companies or wealthy owners, despite the loss of public interest status by the Ministry of Culture under Asta Vrečko. The author also mentions being censored on Siol.net for critical articles about key politicians, including Asta Vrečko, Robert Golob, and Zoran Janković. They thank those who supported their work and apologize if any mistakes were made.
Pigeon and Han's absence collapsed their own SDS investigation.
The article reports on the collapse of an extraordinary parliamentary session in Slovenia due to the absence of several lawmakers, including Matjaž Han (SD), Robert Golob (Svoboda), and others. The session ended abruptly after they refused to vote on the daily agenda. With 34 deputies voting 'for' and 38 against, the parliament did not establish an investigative commission to examine whether the opposition SDS had ordered and paid interviews with representatives of leftist political, business, and legal elites through the firm Black Cube. The article notes that this was previously led by Mojca Pašek Šetinc (Svoboda, later SD) and Tamara Vonta (Svoboda), who were involved in investigating right-leaning media outlets. It highlights the lack of discipline among both left and right factions, with some lawmakers present but refusing to vote. The article includes social media comments criticizing the behavior of certain politicians during the session.
A photo-pub of the bankrupt Mijiće
The article discusses ongoing tensions within Slovenia's political sphere, focusing on the controversy surrounding the 'Fotopub' scandal involving former MP Boris Mijić. Luka Mesec, a representative of the opposition, accused Mijić of misconduct, prompting backlash from Zoran Stevanović, who criticized the scandal as targeting the 'left-wing elite.' The piece highlights broader concerns about censorship and political influence over media, citing past instances where articles critical of ruling politicians were removed or suppressed. It references specific cases, including the legal proceedings against Sodnik Dušan Josip Smodej and the controversy involving mayor Zoran Janković, suggesting systemic issues of political interference in judicial and media processes. The author argues that such practices undermine democratic accountability and transparency.
Emergencies as a state secret: When people wait and editors bow
The article discusses a highly controversial situation involving a dramatic event on a highway in Lower Styria, where a man was seen running along the road before attempting suicide. While the media reported on the incident, they did not explicitly reveal the nature of the event, leaving readers to infer that it involved a potential self-harm attempt. The author criticizes both the police and media for systematically concealing such incidents from the public, citing examples like sexual assaults by migrants and other criminal activities. The article claims that authorities and media outlets collaborate to withhold information, often under the pretext of protecting victims' identities or preventing copycat behavior. It further suggests that influential individuals like Nik Kovač exert pressure on editors to comply with these censorship practices, which benefits certain political groups.
Protest: We risked our lives for the Slovenian state and not the Red Star
The article reports on a protest led by Janko Volarič, president of the Regional Council of the Association for the Values of Slovenian Independence (VSO) in Upper Posavje, against the decision to include soldiers wearing the red star symbol at this year's national state celebration. The red star is associated with communism and Soviet influence, now linked to Russia, and is seen as a symbol of totalitarian systems rather than democratic values. Volarič argues that the national day of independence should honor Slovenia’s sovereignty, democracy, and freedom, not symbols of past regimes. He emphasizes that veterans who fought for Slovenia’s independence risked their lives for the country’s flag, not for the red star. The protest calls for action from the central association to preserve the memory of Slovenia’s founding events.
Janša: The exclusion did not betray the independence of Slovenia.
On June 24, 2026, at a central state celebration marking the 35th anniversary of Slovenia's independence on Republic Square in Ljubljana, President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar and newly appointed Prime Minister Janez Janša addressed attendees. Janša emphasized Slovenia's unique position globally, noting that one of its governments had closed a museum dedicated to the country's independence. He highlighted significant challenges facing the nation, including high taxes, energy security, and food safety. Pirc Musar, while defending non-governmental organizations, media, and civil society against anticipated measures, was interrupted by whistles from some attendees. She called for calm to finish her speech. Janša also discussed international relations, stating that Europe has become dependent on Russian energy, American security guarantees, and subsidized Chinese products, with a daily trade deficit of one billion euros with China. He stressed Slovenia's role within European and North Atlantic alliances in ensuring both national and collective security.
In addition to Zupančić, who replaced Maljevic, Fajon, Lebn, Kolenko Helbl...
The article reports on the payment of special parliamentary allowances to several Slovenian politicians who were unable to return to their previous jobs or find new employment after losing office. Former parliamentarian Urška Klakočar Zupančič received €5,453 for one month, while 20 other MPs also received such payments. In contrast, former ministers and officials in the government did not receive these allowances this month because they were still serving in their roles. However, the government has issued decisions allowing future months' payments. Notable recipients include Simon Maljevac (Levica), Tanja Fajon (SD), Igor Feketi (former state secretary), and Barbara Kolenko Helbl. The article lists specific decisions regarding the allowance amounts, which range up to 80% of their previous salary.
Police figures: Pigeon government's 'open door' policy to end migration records
The article reports that police data reveals the Golob government's 'open borders' policy has failed to reduce illegal migration into Slovenia, contradicting claims by former Prime Minister Robert Golob. Despite Golob's assertion that his administration achieved a 'radical reduction' in illegal border crossings, police figures show that in January 2026, the number of undocumented migrants entering Slovenia was already higher than the previous government's reported numbers. The article attributes the decline in Syrian migrants to the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad and the subsequent loss of influence by Russia and Iran over Syria, rather than any policy change by Golob's government. It also notes that the new government under Janez Janša has reintroduced border controls but faces challenges due to the removal of barriers and surveillance along certain routes.
Slapshakova has already rescued the additional voters from the Balkans and Russia.
The article discusses a political initiative led by Svetlana Slapšak, who has collected over 2,500 unsigned signatures to trigger a process for gathering 40,000 verified signatures to allow foreigners from the Balkans, Russia, Ukraine, and Palestine to vote in local elections if they are permanently registered in Slovenia. The move is seen as controversial, as Slovenian citizens do not have similar voting rights abroad. The initiative was supported by Slapšak’s political allies and has prompted discussions about potential changes to election laws. The proposed referendum would require a 35-day signature collection period starting after parliamentary holidays in September, ending in October, just before local elections scheduled for late November. The article criticizes the opposition's approach as 'provincial fascism' and compares it to historical fascist aesthetics. It also notes that if the required signatures are not met, the new rules will not take effect this year.
The referendum on the Pigeonskin
The article discusses former Prime Minister Robert Golob's initiative to hold a referendum on amending the law regarding parliamentary investigations. Golob argues that these investigations target politicians rather than citizens and aims to prevent scrutiny of his alleged misuse of intelligence services and police before elections, particularly related to the Black Cube and DARS affairs. He has also signed a petition for a referendum on local self-government laws to restrict non-citizens' voting rights in local elections. The article suggests that such changes could benefit leftist candidates, especially Zoran Janković, by shifting voter influence. It references past issues with early voting arrangements during parliamentary elections, where locations were set in urban areas like Ljubljana’s Stožice arena rather than within municipalities, potentially disadvantaging voters from rural areas. The current debate centers on whether non-EU citizens’ votes will significantly impact upcoming local elections.
Historic compromise or too much concession?
The article discusses a historic agreement between the United States and Iran, signed by former President Donald Trump, which includes the immediate cessation of military operations, lifting maritime blockades, and a $300 billion economic development plan for Iran. The agreement also involves the withdrawal of U.S. forces from strategic areas like the Strait of Hormuz and the establishment of a framework for monitoring Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expresses concerns over verifying Iran’s compliance with the deal, noting potential covert activities. The document outlines key terms such as the end of hostilities, respect for sovereignty, and a timeline for negotiations and troop withdrawals.