Milan Balažic, former mayor of Moravče, has been removed from his position following a legal decision that deemed him a threat to the integrity of the investigation into corruption allegations against him. The Specialized State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) had initially requested his detention due to concerns over potential influence on witnesses, citing repeated violations and possible collusion. However, the court overseeing the case, the outside-of-the-court senate of the district court, rejected this request and instead imposed a 30-day detention order. This move was confirmed by Balažic's attorney, Milan Krstić, who stated that “there is no longer a reason for detention.” Balažic, accused of multiple corruption-related offenses including accepting bribes and misusing public funds, resigned from his role as mayor on June 12, citing “circumstances related to the criminal proceedings against him.”
The charges against Balažic include six instances of accepting benefits for illegal mediation, two cases of receiving bribes, and two more involving misuse of public resources. These accusations stem from an investigation initiated by the District Court in Ljubljana, which found evidence suggesting Balažic used his position to improperly direct public spending, particularly in relation to the renovation of the town square in Moravče. According to the indictment, Balažic allegedly accepted rewards for facilitating actions that should have been legally prohibited, such as directing infrastructure projects without proper authorization.
Among the individuals implicated in the investigation is Pavle Hevka, a prominent member of the Democratic Party led by Anže Logar. Hevka, previously the director of 2TDK, a company responsible for constructing the second rail line between Divača and Koper, is now under suspicion of aiding Balažic in the alleged misconduct. The police believe Hevka played a role in the procurement process for natural stone used in the reconstruction of the town square. This project, which was part of Balažic’s tenure as mayor, reportedly involved selecting materials from specific suppliers, including those connected to Hevka’s business interests.
Hevka’s involvement in the party dates back to late 2025 when he was seen assisting in drafting parts of the party’s infrastructure policy during a congress held in Portorož. Despite this, the Democratic Party has remained silent on the matter, even after reports emerged linking Hevka to the ongoing investigation. When asked about the situation, Logar emphasized that Hevka holds no official position within the party and that the case is still in its early stages. He reiterated that all suspects, including Hevka, are treated equally under the law and that the party will follow standard procedures once formal charges are filed.
The broader implications of these developments highlight the internal contradictions within the Democratic Party, which had previously positioned itself as a strong opponent of corruption. During their campaign, they pledged to implement strict anti-corruption measures and even proposed the establishment of a specialized unit for combating organized crime. Yet, the current situation raises questions about how effectively these principles are being applied internally. The party’s silence on Hevka’s involvement suggests either a lack of transparency or a strategic choice to avoid further controversy ahead of upcoming elections.
The investigation into Balažic and Hevka also reflects the complex interplay between political power and economic interests in Slovenia. The procurement processes for public works often involve close ties between local officials and private contractors, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of such arrangements. The case of the Moravče town square renovation exemplifies this dynamic, where the selection of materials and suppliers appears to have favored certain businesses linked to influential figures within the community.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on whether the charges against Balažic and Hevka can be substantiated beyond mere allegations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the credibility of the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape in Slovenia. With the election cycle approaching, the handling of such high-profile cases will likely play a crucial role in shaping public perception of the party’s commitment to ethical governance.
9 reports
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 853 days agoDamijan Jaklin, who currently holds the position of state secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and serves as the non-professional mayor of the municipality of Velika Polana, faces scrutiny over whether these roles are compatible under anti-corruption laws. The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has stated that since 2023, they have adopted a stricter stance on the compatibility of multiple functions, emphasizing that the primary role—state secretary—is incompatible with being a mayor. This contrasts with their 2020 opinion, which did not oppose the combination of these roles. The newspaper Nova Slovenska (NSi) argues that no legal changes have occurred since 2020 that would affect this assessment, suggesting the earlier KPK opinion remains valid. Jaklin denies any wrongdoing and refuses to resign, claiming he acted lawfully and that the allegations against him are unfounded. The ruling party, led by Minister Jernej Vrtovec, has not yet decided on further actions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the KPK's current stance and the opposing view from Nova Slovenska, including Jaklin's denial of wrongdoing. It does not favor one side over the other but provides the perspectives of different entities involved in the issue.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Highly factual with detailed legal references from KPK. Slightly less objective due to framing the issue as problematic.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 853 days agoThe Commission Against Corruption (KPK) in Slovenia has stated that the functions held by Damijan Jaklin—state secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and non-professional mayor of Velika Polana—are incompatible. The KPK clarified that while they previously held this view, their stance was based on a stricter interpretation of the law on integrity and corruption prevention. They emphasized that the primary function, which is the state secretary role, takes precedence, making the mayor’s role incompatible. Jaklin has been holding both roles since 2006, but the issue resurfaced after he became a state secretary in 2023. Jaklin’s political party claims he obtained legal advice suggesting the law had not changed since 2020 and thus there was no new reason for concern. However, the KPK’s updated position, introduced in 2023, was not communicated to the party before the decision. Legal experts like Prof. Rajko Pirnat argue that while professional mayors are incompatible with state secretary roles, non-professional mayors present indirect conflicts of interest. This dilemma has persisted for over two decades, with similar concerns raised by legal scholars such as Prof. Saša
Bias read (Center): The article presents the KPK’s legal reasoning and the conflicting interpretations from Jaklin’s political party and legal experts. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather reports on the legal debate and differing viewpoints. While the KPK’s position is presented as authoritative, the
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports on the KPK's stance regarding the incompatibility of Damijan Jaklin's roles as state secretary and non-professional mayor. It cites specific legal provisions and provides context from previous statements by the KPK. However, it briefly mentions allegations against Jakl
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 858 days agoFormer mayor Milan Balažic has been released from custody after the district court in Ljubljana determined there was no longer a legal basis for his detention. Balažic, who stepped down as mayor of Moravče in June due to ongoing criminal proceedings against him, had previously been held under suspicion of multiple corruption-related offenses, including accepting bribes and facilitating illegal transactions. The prosecution had initially recommended his detention due to concerns over potential witness tampering, but the court ultimately ruled against extending his detention. Meanwhile, another individual linked to the investigation, Pavle Hevka—a former director of 2TDK and a prominent member of the Democratic Party—has also come under scrutiny. Hevka is alleged to have assisted Balažic in these alleged crimes, specifically regarding the procurement of natural stone for the renovation of a market in Moravče. The case remains in the early stages of the pre-trial process, and the Democratic Party has stated they will handle the matter according to standard procedures once more information becomes available.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal developments surrounding the former mayor and related individuals without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from both the defense and the party involved, providing a balanced view of the situation without apparent ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Accurate with legal references and timeline. Slightly biased by highlighting the conflict.
VečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 89Objective 868 days agoThe 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.
Why these scores (Factual 89 · Objective 86): Highly factual and neutral, providing detailed information without editorializing.
Svet24IndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 853 days agoThe Slovenian anti-corruption agency, KPK, has raised questions about whether Damijan Jaklin can hold two positions at the same time. This inquiry comes amid ongoing scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest involving high-profile individuals in Slovenia.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a question raised by the KPK regarding potential conflicts of interest without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It does not favor one side over another and focuses on the issue itself rather than promoting a particular viewpoint.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 85): The article succinctly reports that the KPK will determine the compatibility of Jaklin's roles. It avoids taking a stance on the matter and focuses on conveying the KPK's role in the assessment, maintaining an objective tone.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 75Objective 657 days agoThe article reports on a response by Slovenian State Secretary Damijan Jaklin to allegations of corruption. Jaklin denies any wrongdoing, stating he has never abused his public position for personal gain. He claims to be unaware of any criminal investigations or indictment against him and asserts that he will provide a full response once fully informed. However, the article also mentions that according to unverified information from POP TV, a specialized state prosecutor is investigating Jaklin over corruption allegations. It suggests that Jaklin allegedly accepted nearly 62,000 euros in cash through fictitious contracts and companies to secure contracts for a Serbian firm and another local enterprise. The article further notes that investigators reportedly found a contract draft suggesting Jaklin would receive a 15% commission for securing EU-funded projects, and that Jaklin questions how such information could surface in the media before being disclosed to those involved in the investigation.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the allegations against Jaklin in a manner that emphasizes potential misconduct and corruption, using terms like 'podkupnine' (bribes) and 'pranje denarja' (money laundering). While it presents both Jaklin’s denial and the accusations, the tone leans toward highlighting the legal,
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 65): The article reports on Jaklin's denial of corruption allegations, citing his statements and the media report. It provides a balanced account but includes some subjective phrasing like 'objektivno ne bi mogel storiti' which may imply judgment. Factually accurate based on the reported statements.
NecenzuriranoIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 50The 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 (Progressive): 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
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 50): The article reports on a specific allegation regarding Pavle Hevka and his involvement in a criminal investigation, citing details from police reports. It provides some level of factual detail and contextualizes the issue within the party’s public stance on corruption. However, it remains somewhat o
NecenzuriranoIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 60 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.
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 60): Focuses on a different political issue, less relevant to Balažic's case. Contains some biased language towards political parties.
NecenzuriranoIndependentConservativeFactual 65Objective 45 28 June 2026 Comrade Stevanović wandered to Belgrade to learn the fight against corruptionThe 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 (Conservative): 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
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 45): This article discusses alleged corruption involving Zoran Stevanović and Boris Mijič, but it uses strong language and frames the situation as a 'war on corruption' without clear evidence. While it mentions specific names and positions, it lacks independent verification and appears biased toward port
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