Dars pod Ribičem: How 'Dars's Cube' Became an Expensive Building for Taxpayers and Other Affair

The new business building of Dars on Grič Hill in Ljubljana has become one of the most visible symbols of controversial practices under the leadership of Andrej Ribič. Originally contracted in July 2021 for 19.5 million euros including VAT, the final cost—after all annexes and additional contracts—reached between 29.4 and 30 million euros, representing more than a 50 percent increase, or approximately ten million euros over the initial budget. This significant price hike has drawn attention not only due to its financial implications but also because of the broader concerns surrounding governance and transparency within the company during Ribič’s tenure.

Beyond the inflated costs of "Darsova kocka," there are allegations involving family staffing, serious conflicts of interest, questionable dealings related to car towing, and strengthened contracts with companies closely associated with the Freedom Movement party. In June 2026, the State Audit Office (DKOM) submitted an indictment against Dars and responsible individuals, including Andrej Ribič, the chairman of the board, for alleged severe violations of the Public Procurement Act (ZJN-3). These allegations have sparked discussions about whether this case represents an isolated incident or a symptom of deeper systemic issues within public administration.

The new business building of the Slovenian Motorway Company (Dars) on Grič Hill was initially intended to symbolize modern and sustainable construction. Designed by the Ljubljana-based architectural firm abiro, the structure is certified according to the DGNB standards and features a steel framework separated from the façade, along with flexible interior spaces. The architects won a public competition in 2019, and construction began in September 2022. The building was completed and put into use at the beginning of 2025. However, instead of becoming a symbol of progress, it has emerged as a clear example of controversial practices in political appointments, annexes, and conflicts of interest under the leadership of the Freedom Movement.

Andrej Ribič, former head of the electoral campaign office of the Freedom Movement and director of Elektra Ljubljana, took over the management of Dars on November 7, 2024. Before him, David Skornšek served as acting chairman of the board since November 2023, following the resignation or departure of Valentin Hajdinjak. Major annexes and contentious decisions occurred primarily during Ribič's period of leadership.

Ribič had previously been a member of the board of directors of Dars since January 2023 and was appointed chairman in November 2024. As chairman, he signed controversial annexes and contracts without publishing public tenders. Despite the cost overrun exceeding the legal 30 percent threshold (Article 95 of the Public Procurement Act), Ribič personally approved additional works. The building was already in use when further payments totaling several hundred thousand euros were still being authorized. Under Ribič's leadership, contracts with companies closely linked to the Freedom Movement were also reinforced, notably with Mobilia, d.o.o., whose owner, Tomislav Blagojević, is the brother-in-law of Freedom Movement MP Jane Jerman. Experts describe this as a typical example of networked and politically connected business practices where public funds flow to companies tightly linked to prominent party figures.

Sources also highlight high salaries. In 2025, Ribič received over 222,000 euros in gross salary (approximately 18,500 euros per month including all benefits), while the board received prestigious official vehicles (a Toyota Land Cruiser for Ribič personally, and a Volvo XC90 for another board member). All of this occurred during a time of chronic traffic jams on highways and announced increases in toll prices for citizens. According to publicly available data, Ribič is also reportedly the owner of a larger yacht, Hallberg-Rassy (length 16.44 meters; estimated value between 300,000 and 800,000 euros), which is supposedly moored at the Borik Marina in Croatia (annual mooring costs range from 10,000 to 12,000 euros). This would be his eighth yacht, indicating a pattern of luxury ownership despite the controversies surrounding his role in managing public infrastructure projects.

The situation surrounding "Darsova kocka" has raised questions about the integrity of public procurement processes and the potential misuse of public resources. Critics argue that the expansion of contracts with affiliated companies and the personal involvement of Ribič in approving costly additions reflect a lack of accountability and transparency. Additionally, the personal wealth and lifestyle choices of Ribič, including multiple yachts and high-end vehicles, contrast sharply with the challenges faced by the general public, such as deteriorating highway conditions and rising toll fees. These factors contribute to growing public skepticism regarding the management of state-owned enterprises and the influence of political connections in decision-making processes.

As the investigation by the State Audit Office continues, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. If found guilty, Ribič and other officials could face legal consequences, potentially leading to reforms in corporate governance and procurement practices. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding "Darsova kocka" serves as a focal point for ongoing debates about corruption, transparency, and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms in public institutions. The case underscores the importance of ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and that decisions made by public officials are subject to rigorous scrutiny to prevent abuse of power and mismanagement of resources.