In the small town of Moravče, a significant corruption investigation has unfolded, implicating several high-profile individuals, including former mayor Milan Balažic and Pavle Hevka, a prominent member of the Logar's Democrats party. The investigation, initiated by more than 100 investigators, began on May 31, 2026, with over 42 house searches conducted throughout the municipality. These searches targeted Balažic, local officials, business owners, and suppliers working with the municipality. The investigation centers around multiple allegations of corruption, including bribery and abuse of position, which have now led to Balažic being placed under arrest for 30 days. He stepped down as mayor on June 12 due to circumstances related to the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
The investigation has revealed a complex web of alleged corrupt activities involving the procurement of natural stone for the renovation of the town square. According to the police order, Balažic is accused of facilitating the selection of a specific type of stone called “Lipica Fiorito,” sourced from the company Marmor Sežana. This company is partially owned by Maks Godina, who was previously associated with Hevka. Hevka, who had been employed by the construction firm Godina until February of this year, is now a senior manager at Kommunalna Sežana, where he works under the director Andrej Prunk, who also owns a majority stake in Marmor Sežana.
Hevka’s involvement in the case stems from his role in assisting Balažic with the selection of the stone supplier. The police suspect that Hevka helped Balažic secure benefits through illegal means, specifically regarding the supply of natural stone for the town square renovation. The investigation suggests that the selection process was predetermined, favoring Hevka as the supplier despite the public tender process. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the procurement process and whether it was manipulated to benefit certain parties.
The implications of these findings extend beyond just the immediate suspects. They highlight potential systemic issues within local governance and the infrastructure sector. The project itself, aimed at transforming the central square into a pedestrian-friendly area with new paving, lighting, and seating, was one of the largest undertakings of Balažic’s term. The initial design was approved in July 2025, and the implementation was scheduled for this year. However, the alleged prior selection of the stone supplier raises questions about the fairness of the entire planning and execution process.
The situation has also sparked broader discussions about the credibility of political promises made during the election campaign. Logar's Democrats, known for their strong anti-corruption stance, were vocal about their commitment to zero tolerance for corruption before the elections. Their platform emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in public affairs. Now, with one of their key advisors, Pavle Hevka, implicated in the investigation, the party faces scrutiny over its internal practices and the consistency of its stated values.
Anže Logar, leader of the Logar's Democrats, addressed the situation when questioned about Hevka’s involvement. He noted that Hevka does not currently hold any official position within the party and emphasized that the matter is still in the early stages of the legal process. Logar reiterated that the party follows standard procedures when dealing with such cases, ensuring that all members are treated fairly according to the law. However, the silence from the party regarding the issue has drawn criticism, especially given their previous emphasis on combating corruption.
The investigation into Balažic and Hevka has also brought attention to the broader context of corruption in Slovenia. While there have been numerous scandals involving public officials and infrastructure projects, this particular case involves a direct link between a former mayor and a prominent figure from a major political party. It underscores the challenges faced by local governments in maintaining ethical standards while managing large-scale public projects.
As the investigation continues, the focus will likely shift towards uncovering the full extent of the alleged misconduct and determining the roles played by each individual involved. The outcomes of this case could set important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future, particularly concerning the accountability of public officials and the integrity of political institutions. The upcoming developments will be crucial in shaping public perception and influencing policy reforms aimed at preventing such incidents from occurring again.
4 reports
NecenzuriranoIndependentRightThe article discusses Zoran Stevanović's visit to Belgrade, where he is attending an anti-corruption academy to learn strategies against corruption. The piece frames this as part of a broader effort by Slovenia's new government to combat corruption, with Stevanović portrayed as a 'clean' politician seeking knowledge from Serbian experts. It contrasts Slovenia's alleged corruption issues with Serbia's reputation for clean governance and open business practices. The article also criticizes Stevanović for shifting attention away from controversies involving his colleague Boris Mijič, who faces allegations of labor rights violations and document forgery. Additionally, it mocks Stevanović's efforts to highlight achievements in bilateral relations with Serbia while downplaying domestic challenges.
Bias read (Right): The article uses sarcastic and mocking tone toward Stevanović, portraying him as a naive idealist trying to shift focus from domestic scandals. It frames Slovenia's anti-corruption efforts as superficial compared to Serbia's supposed integrity, which is presented uncritically. The piece emphasizes M
NecenzuriranoIndependentCenter June 24th, 2026 Helped Logar write the program, now criminals suspect him of corruption InvestigationsThe article discusses an ongoing corruption investigation involving Pavle Hevka, a former director of 2TDK and a prominent member of Logar's Democrats, who is now under suspicion for allegedly assisting former mayor of Moravče, Milan Balažic, in illegal activities related to the procurement of natural stone for the renovation of the town square. The investigation, which began with over 100 police raids in May, involves multiple allegations of corruption, including the alleged exchange of services tied to the renovation of Balažic's house and the financing of his partner's book publication. Hevka, known for his role in infrastructure projects and his previous position at the state Road Infrastructure Company (DARS), was reportedly involved in drafting Logar's Democrats' infrastructure program. The article highlights the potential connection between Hevka's business interests and the local government's projects.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an ongoing criminal investigation involving a politician and a business figure, without overtly favoring either side. It includes quotes from legal documents and mentions both the accused and their defense claims, maintaining a balanced tone.
NecenzuriranoIndependentLeft News July 2nd, 2026 Logar has been silent for a week on the suspicion of corruption by the writer of their programThe article discusses allegations of corruption involving Pavle Hevka, a key figure in the infrastructure department of the Democratic Party led by Anže Logar. Hevka is accused of assisting former mayor Milan Balažič in illegal activities related to the supply of natural stone for the renovation of the market in Moravče. Despite these accusations, the party has remained silent for seven days since the report was published. The article highlights the irony of the party's previous anti-corruption stance during the election campaign, where they emphasized 'zero tolerance' for corruption and proposed the establishment of a specialized prosecutorial unit against organized crime. The silence of the party contrasts sharply with their earlier rhetoric.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation as ironic and highlights the contrast between the party's anti-corruption rhetoric and their current silence regarding a potential member involved in corruption. It emphasizes the hypocrisy and lack of accountability within the party, which aligns with a left-leaning
VečerIndependent🔒CenteryesterdayThe article reports on legal proceedings against Milan Balažic, a former mayor of Moravče, who has been accused of multiple corruption-related offenses including accepting bribes and misuse of position. His lawyer confirmed that he is no longer under investigation due to the lack of further justification for his detention. Balažic resigned from his municipal duties in June 2026 citing circumstances related to his ongoing criminal case. The charges include allegations of using his position to influence official actions improperly and receiving rewards for such behavior. Another individual, Pavle Hevka, a member of the Democracy Party, is also suspected of involvement in the case, particularly regarding the procurement of natural stone for the renovation of Moravče’s market. Hevka was previously the director of 2TDK. The party leader, Anže Logar, stated that Hevka does not hold any current position within the party and emphasized that the matter is still in the early stages of the judicial process.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal situation surrounding Milan Balažic and Pavle Hevka in a balanced manner, providing factual information about their alleged misconduct without overtly favoring either side. It includes quotes from both the defense and the party leader, maintaining neutrality in its报道.
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