How does the President of the Republic respond to the question of a possible intimate relationship with Krivolucka?

A traffic accident involving President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar has brought into focus her long-standing friendship with Viktorija Krivolucka, a Russian-Slovenian citizen. The incident occurred in the Kastelec tunnel on the coastal motorway, where Pirc Musar was among several individuals involved. Alongside the president, her closest friend, Viktorija Krivolucka, was also injured. While the specifics of the crash have been widely discussed, the broader implications of Krivolucka’s relationship with the president remain unclear. Krivolucka's connection to the president dates back nearly two decades, beginning through bowling. Since 2015, she has traveled to Russia at least seven times with Pirc Musar, including a visit to Moscow in late 2021. During this time, Krivolucka lived in Ljubljana under Pirc Musar’s care and worked as an accountant for her law firm. These close personal and professional ties suggest a deep bond between the two women. Security experts have raised concerns over the potential risks posed by such a relationship. Former senior officials from Slovenia’s intelligence services, Miha Brejc and Rajko Kozmelj, have warned that relationships between high-ranking political figures and foreign nationals, particularly Russians, pose significant security threats. They noted that intelligence agencies often employ subtle methods to gain access to individuals in close contact with protected persons, seeking information that could compromise national interests. The concern stems from the possibility that Krivolucka might be acting as an intermediary for external actors. Although there is no direct evidence of espionage or illegal activities, the intensity of the relationship raises red flags. Security analysts emphasize that the closer the personal ties, the greater the risk, especially if the protected individual conceals sensitive information. In such cases, the protected person becomes vulnerable to exploitation by foreign entities. In response to questions about the nature of her relationship with Krivolucka, Pirc Musar’s office issued a statement that avoided direct answers. When asked whether their relationship was purely friendly or included a romantic component, the office replied: “The protection of sensitive information proceeds according to security protocols and procedures applicable to the performance of the duties of the president of the republic.” This vague response did not address the specific inquiry directly. Media outlets have highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the relationship. While some reports mention Krivolucka’s past involvement with former intelligence official Roman Jeglič, who once represented Slovenian companies in Russia, others point to her alleged role in a 2007 traffic accident that resulted in the death of an Austrian motorcyclist. At the time, Krivolucka reportedly accused another companion of the deceased, leading to her conviction. Despite these allegations, Krivolucka maintains a legal residence in Slovenia and continues to work in the country. Her dual citizenship and extensive connections raise further questions about her influence and potential access to confidential information. However, no formal accusations have been made against her, and the government has not taken action based on these claims. The issue has sparked public debate, particularly given the geopolitical tensions between Slovenia and Russia. With sanctions imposed on Russian entities following its invasion of Ukraine, the presence of a Russian citizen in close proximity to a high-ranking Slovenian official has become a subject of scrutiny. While the government has not officially commented on the matter, the lack of clarity around the relationship has fueled speculation. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the potential risks associated with the close ties between Pirc Musar and Krivolucka. Security experts continue to stress the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly in matters involving national security. For now, the details remain obscured, leaving the public to speculate on the true extent of the relationship.