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
- Right
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 21
81/100
Factual
68/100
Objective
32
Articles
32
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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The new UN President is Luka Svetina
Recent coverage
Has the Constitutional Court disregarded the rule of law and ruled in favour of the usurpers of RTV?
The Constitutional Court of Slovenia has reportedly made a decision in the case involving RTV (Radio Television of Slovenia), with five judges voting against two. This decision could be seen as a blow to the rule of law, as critics argue the entire process surrounding the new RTV law has been heavily influenced by politics rather than legal or professional standards. The court previously stated it would not make content-related decisions, which confused many due to the significance of the issue for a key public institution. Two judges were excluded from the decision-making process due to potential conflicts of interest, including President Rok Čeferin, who has ties to a law firm associated with RTV, and Neža Kogovšek Šalamon, who worked at the Peace Institute involved in the referendum campaign related to the RTV law. Critics argue the new RTV law was politically motivated, giving significant influence over editorial policies to a leftist faction. The process was further complicated by legal challenges and lack of broad consensus, with opponents claiming the law allows any ruling party to reshape RTV according to their agenda. The visit of European Commission Vice-President Vera Jú
Zakaj se opozicijski poslanci bojijo preiskave o Black Cube?
The parliamentary investigation into the Black Cube affair, which involved allegations of illegal financing of political parties, was rejected during a session of the National Assembly on Tuesday. The investigation had initially aimed to look into claims that the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) ordered surveillance and recordings implicating individuals linked to the previous government in deep-state activities. However, the investigation was halted due to the failure to confirm the agenda of the extraordinary session. Left-wing opposition members, including those from the Freedom Party (LS), Social Democrats (SD), and the Left (Leva), contributed to the rejection by either not attending or abstaining from voting. Notably, prominent figures such as Robert Golob and Matjaž Han did not attend the session. The recordings from the Black Cube scandal implicated several high-profile individuals, including former Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan, who claimed that then-Prime Minister Robert Golob still exerted significant influence over GEN-I, despite his formal resignation. These revelations were seen as exposing deep-state operations involving politicians like Zoran Janković and ex
The end of depoliticization: changing the way the online newspaper operates
The article announces the temporary suspension of the author's role at 'Spletni časopis' due to taking over leadership of 'Siol.net'. The author reflects on past experiences of depolitization in media, particularly under the coalition led by Robert Golob, which affected 'Siol.net' through personnel changes and censorship. They highlight how 'Spletni časopis', not being state-owned or funded, managed to sustain journalistic work despite challenges like the Ministry of Culture revoking its public interest status. The author thanks supporters and acknowledges contributions from collaborators while expressing regret for any shortcomings.
A photo-pub of the bankrupt Mijiće
The article discusses tensions within Slovenia's Left Party (Levična stranka), focusing on the controversy surrounding the 'Fotopub' scandal involving state-funded cultural elites. Luka Mesec, a critic of the party, accused Boris Mijić, a member of the parliamentary group Resni.ca, of needing to resign due to his alleged involvement in the scandal. The situation escalated when Zoran Stevanović reminded Mesec of past controversies involving Asta Vrečko, who had previously threatened Mark Lotrič, president of the State Council, with legal action over the Fotopub affair. The article highlights internal conflicts within the Left Party, including accusations of censorship and suppression of critical media coverage related to these scandals. It references a censored column by the author on Siol.net, which criticized the lack of judicial accountability in cases like that of Dušan Josip Smodej, a former police chief, and the political influence on law enforcement and media.
Emergencies as a state secret: When people wait and editors bow
The article discusses a recent incident on a Slovenian motorway where the public was not informed about the true nature of the event. Media outlets reported it as an 'extraordinary event' and a 'evening drama', but failed to clarify whether it involved a bridge collapse, floods, bears entering the highway, or other causes. The author suggests that the media has been instructed by authorities to withhold information, possibly due to a pact between police and mainstream media. It also criticizes the reluctance of editors to report fully, noting that some are replaced when they refuse to comply. The piece accuses non-governmental actors like Niko Kovač of exerting influence over media decisions, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as suicide or migration. The author argues that this lack of transparency undermines democratic accountability.
Pigeon's message on statehood day: Democracy and sovereignty are not self-evident
On the occasion of Slovenia's Day of Statehood, Robert Golob, leader of the largest opposition party Freedom Movement, emphasized that democracy and sovereignty are not self-evident but require continuous reinforcement through respect for differing opinions, responsibility toward the common good, and willingness to listen to others. Reflecting on Slovenia's path since gaining independence 35 years ago, Golob highlighted the nation's foundation on courage and collective effort rather than fear. He warned of current global uncertainties, including blurred lines between truth and manipulation, wars, economic challenges, and technological changes, which create conditions for division and distrust. Golob argued that Slovenia's strength lies in its people's belief in collaboration, openness, and shared values, and he called on the nation to uphold these principles to shape its future. He expressed confidence in Slovenia's capabilities, citing its global-minded youth, competitive economy, and accomplished individuals who demonstrate that even a small country can achieve great things.
Janša: Exclusion was not a betrayal of Slovenian independence.
The article reports on a state celebration in Ljubljana marking the 35th anniversary of Slovenia's statehood, where President Nataša Pirc Musar and new Prime Minister Janez Janša delivered speeches. Janša criticized the closure of a national museum by his government, highlighting challenges such as high taxes, energy and food security, and the need to fund a social welfare system. Pirc Musar addressed concerns about non-governmental organizations, media, and civil society facing potential restrictions, urging calm. Her speech was briefly interrupted by applause. The article includes a Twitter post questioning the authenticity of the content, suggesting it might be AI-generated. Janša also discussed Slovenia’s geopolitical position, emphasizing dependence on Russian energy, U.S. military presence, and Chinese goods, while stressing Slovenia’s role within NATO and European security. His speech recounted a personal anecdote from the 1991 war of independence involving a young boy asking to join the Territorial Defense Force.
In addition to Zupančić, there are also 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 their 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, and Barbara Kolenko Helbl. The article lists specific decisions by the current government regarding these allowances, including the 80% monthly salary rate for some individuals.
I had to sign the indictment because it was already written and I couldn't stop it.
Petra Grah Lazar, former director of the National Investigative Office (NPU), sent an SMS to Dars' former head Valentin Hajdinjak informing him that she had to sign a criminal complaint against Hajdinjak's party colleague Matej Tomin because the investigation was already underway and she could not stop it. The SMS was discovered during a home search of Hajdinjak by investigators looking into the Dars affair in 2024. The Specialized State Prosecution confirmed the existence of the message but stated that the content did not constitute disclosure of confidential information or abuse of position, leading to the rejection of the criminal charges. Grah Lazar denied allegations that she interfered with ongoing investigations, stating that she followed prosecutorial guidelines and that the fact that NPU submitted two criminal complaints to the prosecution was first reported by the media outlet 24ur, not her. Minister Franci Matoz expressed full trust in Grah Lazar as long as she performs her duties legally, professionally, and effectively.
Reporters Without Borders Lies
The Slovenian Journalists' Association (ZNP), led by Luka Svetina, has strongly protested against claims made by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) regarding a new Slovenian law on parliamentary inquiry. The ZNP states that RSF's allegations—that the law weakens journalist protection and allows the disclosure of journalistic sources—are completely unfounded and based on domestic activist circles. The ZNP emphasizes that the proposed changes to the law do not include any provisions requiring journalists to disclose their sources or granting parliamentary inquiry committees new powers in this area.
Trump: The deal could be signed tomorrow, maybe the next day
U.S. President Donald Trump stated during a press conference following a meeting with leaders of the G7 group that a deal to end the war with Iran could be signed 'tomorrow, maybe the next day.' The Iranian Foreign Ministry also indicated that a deal ending the war could be signed. Trump confirmed that the agreement would be signed on Friday in Switzerland. A representative of the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the idea was still under discussion. Trump emphasized the importance of Iran agreeing not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, noting that if Iran did not agree, it might purchase such
RTV is using our money to promote a politician whom voters have sent to the garbage can of history
The article discusses Urška Klakočar Zupančič, a former member of the Freedom Party and former president of the National Assembly, who was voted out of politics but now seeks a return. The article criticizes RTV for promoting her through public funding, despite her views being deemed no longer relevant. In an interview with Tanja Gobec, Zupančič criticized her former party for not supporting Slovenia's participation in the International Court of Justice case against Israel, referencing the genocide in Gaza. She expressed disappointment over Slovenia’s lack of involvement in the South African's
There's no parking at the Highway this year, and there's no transportation!
The article discusses the state of preparations for the 'Special Regime' on Mount Vršič for the year 2026, just two days before its implementation. The author visited the area and expressed shock at the lack of proper signage, traffic management, and construction progress. He notes that the decision to partially close the road has been revoked without clear communication or justification. Construction work started in mid-May but was insufficiently staffed, with only up to five workers on site.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
