How long is Tina Sershen going to be head of legal affairs at the Ministry of Jerne Vrtovets?

The former head of the legal sector at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Tina Seršen, continues to hold her position despite being found guilty of unlawful conduct in connection with the C0 canal project. The situation has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of the Slovenian administrative system. According to official statements, Seršen was reappointed to her previous role after completing her political mandate, even though she had been identified as having engaged in illegal actions during her tenure as state secretary under the previous government. Seršen’s involvement in the controversial decision regarding the C0 canal, which allowed its construction without environmental impact assessment, led to judicial findings of misconduct. Both the administrative court and the inspection body confirmed that her actions were unlawful. Despite this, she remains officially designated as the head of the legal sector within the ministry. The ministry acknowledges her unlawful behavior but maintains her position, citing legal provisions that allow for the return of a public servant to their former role following the end of a political mandate. Minister Jernej Vrtovec has stated that Seršen will not take part in strategic decisions or play any key roles in the current administration. In a tweet on platform X, he emphasized that while she holds the title of head of the legal sector, she will not engage in any strategic activities. This clarification comes after media inquiries directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, which sought to understand how such a situation could occur. The ministry responded by explaining that Seršen returned to her former position in accordance with the Law on Public Servants, which allows for the reinstatement of a former employee after the completion of a political term. According to the ministry, Seršen was appointed to her role prior to becoming a state secretary, and her return to the position followed the standard procedure outlined in the law. However, the ministry admitted that it was aware of her unlawful conduct in the context of the C0 canal case, as confirmed by the administrative court. The ministry has also stressed that it takes the legality, professional responsibility, and integrity of its officials seriously, as these factors are crucial to maintaining public trust. The financial implications of Seršen's continued employment have drawn attention. She is currently receiving a salary based on the 42nd pay grade, which translates to a gross monthly income exceeding €4,200. After deductions, this amounts to approximately €2,500 to €2,600 net per month. These figures highlight the ongoing cost associated with maintaining her position, even though she has been effectively isolated from operational responsibilities. The ministry has not commented on whether additional benefits or allowances are included in her compensation package. This situation reflects a broader systemic issue within the Slovenian public administration, where legal protections for former officials can sometimes override concerns over past misconduct. While the law provides for the reinstatement of public servants after political mandates, it does not explicitly address cases where individuals have been found to have acted unlawfully in their official capacities. As a result, there is a gap between legal provisions and practical consequences, leading to situations where individuals who have been sanctioned remain in positions of influence. Public reaction to the matter has been mixed. Some citizens argue that the continued presence of someone found to have acted illegally undermines the credibility of the administrative system. Others suggest that the ministry is merely following established procedures rather than taking decisive action to rectify the situation. Regardless of individual perspectives, the controversy surrounding Seršen’s position underscores the need for clearer guidelines on handling cases involving former officials who have been implicated in wrongdoing.