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The CCP has already received several complaints about Stevanovic's alleged dealings over land in Kranj.
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The CCP has already received several complaints about Stevanovic's alleged dealings over land in Kranj.

The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) has received multiple reports regarding alleged agreements between Zoran Stevanovic, President of the National Assembly, and Matjaz Rakovec, Mayor of Kranj, concerning land intended for the construction of an Orthodox church. The allegations stem from a video published by POP TV, in which Stevanovic stated he used his position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milancic, for purchasing municipal agricultural land currently designated for a cemetery under spatial planning rules. Rakovec claimed in the same footage that the land could be put up for auction and its purpose changed through a fast-track procedure, while noting he had the option to withhold signing the contract if higher bids emerged. In response, Rakovec clarified that the 'fast track' refers to a statutory shortened process lasting at least eighteen months and denied promising any specific location, asserting that he always acts in accordance with legislation. The KPK stated it will conduct a preliminary review to determine jurisdiction under integrity laws and emphasized that public officials must act in the general interest without abusing their positions to授予s

The President of Slovenia’s National Assembly, Zoran Stevanović, has denied allegations of corruption and abuse of power following the release of video footage in which he stated he used his political position to secure a donor for the purchase of municipal land intended for a new Orthodox church in Kranj. Stevanović, who leads the Resnica party, held a press conference on Thursday to address the controversy, asserting that helping communities is the core purpose of politics and that he would utilize his office twenty times over again to assist citizens. He rejected claims that he promised a rigged tender process, telling reporters, "You lie. You openly lie," while confirming that all statements made in the leaked recordings were accurate. The incident began when the television station POP TV published a recording from a meeting with members of the Kranj Serbian Cultural and Artistic Society held the previous week. In the footage, Stevanović described himself as "damn proud" that he had leveraged his role as the second most important official in the country to find a financier for the church project. He identified the donor as businessman Mladen Milanović, known locally as Kaja, who is an ally of Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and currently banned from entering Slovenia. Stevanović explained that the opportunity arose through contacts facilitated by his high-ranking status. Kranj Mayor Matjaž Rakovec appeared in the same recording, discussing the legal procedures for changing the land's designated use. The plot, located near the Boštjan Hladnik road, is currently classified as agricultural land but is planned for a cemetery under the existing municipal spatial plan. Rakovec stated that a targeted change of designation to allow for sacred objects could be implemented via a fast-track procedure. He noted that the land area is approximately 3,200 square meters. Stevanović added during the meeting that anything valued above 20,000 euros must go through a public auction, estimating the land price at between 400,000 and 600,000 euros. He claimed that the mayor had assured them that if another buyer offered a higher price, the mayor could withhold signing the contract, effectively ensuring the donor would win the bid. In response to the media coverage, Stevanović clarified that no official tender or auction has been initiated yet. He emphasized that the municipal council must first decide on the sale of the land, a decision likely to occur after February when a new city council takes office. He argued that he was merely outlining potential legal possibilities available to the mayor under current legislation, rather than making promises. Stevanović stated that he met Milanović only once in a restaurant in Ljubljani during an event related to the Orthodox community and did not speak directly to him. Instead, he communicated with representatives of the donor, whom he described as representatives of Slovenian companies. He maintained that the Orthodox community in Kranj has campaigned for a church for decades and that he views facilitating donations for religious groups, including Islamic and Catholic communities, as a standard civic duty. Former National Assembly Speaker Urška Klakočar Zupančich reacted sharply to Stevanović’s comments on social media. She wrote that swapping a public function for personal gain or the benefit of friends reveals limits in one's understanding of responsibility. She asserted that political positions are not currency for services and that public authority is not loot to be distributed among friends. Legal expert Rajko Pirnat warned that by leveraging his political influence, Stevanović has become, in a sense, indebted to the donor, a situation he described as extremely problematic for a public official. The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) confirmed it received multiple reports regarding the actions of both Stevanović and Mayor Rakovec. The commission announced it will conduct a preliminary review to determine if there are grounds for a formal investigation under the Integrity and Corruption Prevention Act. KPK Chairwoman Katarina Bervar Sternad stated that public officials represent the interest of the entire population, not just their voters or specific groups. She emphasized that agreements made outside of official duties still fall under the scrutiny of integrity laws because officials remain in their public role even when leaving their offices. Simultaneously, the National Investigative Office confirmed it is verifying whether the circumstances constitute a criminal offense prosecutable ex officio. Mayor Rakovec issued a statement denying that any location was promised to anyone and affirmed that he always acts within the framework of legislation. He noted that the final decision rests with the city council. Supporters of Stevanović have dismissed the media coverage as a partisan attack. Publicist Boštjan M. Turk characterized the reporting as the "last despair" of transitional left-wing groups, arguing that Stevanović committed no wrongdoing by publicly acknowledging his efforts to help a community. Turk compared the situation to a professor using their academic reputation to secure funding for a hospital, suggesting that such actions are inherently positive. Stevanović’s political allies, including the Resnica party, have rallied behind him, with social media posts expressing solidarity and mocking the journalists involved in the inquiry. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding the boundaries of political influence in local government decisions and the interpretation of public service versus private interest.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 14 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

21 reports

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒Progressive
Urška Klakočar Zupančič sharply about Stevanović: Political position is not a currency for favors, someone has a bad problem

Former Slovenian National Assembly President Urška Klakočar Zupančič issued a sharp public rebuke to current Speaker Zoran Stevanović regarding his comments on facilitating the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. In a social media post, she criticized Stevanović for treating public office as a personal asset rather than a service to citizens, arguing that using state functions for private gain reveals a dangerous misunderstanding of power and a serious moral failing. The controversy stems from remarks reported by Pop TV, which suggested potential corruption in agreements related to the church project. Stevanović defended himself by stating he merely informed a prepared donor about the land, noting that the city council holds decision-making authority over such matters. He further asserted that he would leverage his position multiple times if necessary to assist people, a stance Klakočar Zupančich dismissed as conflating political responsibility with personal benefit.

Bias read (Progressive): The article centers on a statement by Urška Klakočar Zupančič, a prominent figure associated with the center-left political spectrum in Slovenia. The framing relies entirely on her critical perspective, employing strong normative language such as 'dangerous understanding of power' and 'serious moral

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒Progressive
The Orthodox Church Affair: "By pledging his influence, Stevanović became in a way a debtor to the donor"

The article reports on allegations involving Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, who allegedly used his political position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milanovic, for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. The report notes that Milanovic is banned from entering Slovenia and is linked to Milorad Dodik, while Kranj mayor Matjaž Rakovec discussed changing land designation during negotiations. Legal expert Rajko Pirnat argues that by leveraging his office, Stevanovic effectively became indebted to the donor, raising serious concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest for a high-ranking official. The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption has received multiple complaints regarding these events and announced a preliminary investigation. While Stevanovic denies the accusations and Rakovec states he made no promises regarding the land, the piece concludes by asking whether this constitutes favoritism toward the Orthodox Church, citing responses from the Catholic Church and the Islamic community.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the story through a critical lens focused on corruption, abuse of power, and ethical violations by a high-ranking state official. It uses strong negative descriptors like 'scandals' and quotes legal experts to highlight the problematic nature of the politician's actions. The focus

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentConservative
We're releasing a longer clip: 'If anyone bids more, the mayor can withhold his signature from the contract'

The article publishes excerpts from a speech by Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, and Matjaz Rakovec, Mayor of Kranj, addressed to members of a local Serbian cultural society. Stevanovic discusses his efforts to secure land for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj, noting that he utilized his political position to find a donor for the purchase after previous attempts failed due to location issues. He states that the land valuation ranges between 400,000 and 600,000 euros and emphasizes that any transaction exceeding 20,000 euros requires a legal auction process. The mayor confirms that if another buyer offers a higher price, the city council retains the right to withhold the contract signature, ensuring the process remains legally compliant while prioritizing the intended recipient.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the narrative through the lens of high-ranking political figures leveraging their state authority ('second most important function') to facilitate a specific religious project. By highlighting the Speaker of Parliament's active role in bypassing standard bureaucratic hurdles via '

Nova24TV logoNova24TVParty-alignedConservative
Boštjan M. Turk on the attacks on Stevanović: The last desperation of the transitional left ...

The article reports on the political controversy surrounding Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, who stated at a local Serbian cultural event that he used his position to secure a donor for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. The piece frames this incident as an attack by 'transitional left' media, which allegedly reported on the matter in an inflated and unprofessional manner despite Stevanovic committing no wrongdoing. Boštjan M. Turk, described as a French literature professor and publicist, argues that the criticism is absurd and compares Stevanovic's actions to a hypothetical scenario where a university professor uses their status to secure funding for a hospital, asserting that such networking is normal. Stevanovic defended himself by stating that he merely identified a willing donor through professional contacts and that the local mayor supports the project. Mayor Matjaž Rakovec issued a clarification noting that the Orthodox community has lacked space for over ten years and that the municipal council ultimately decides on such matters, while refusing to join what he termed a 'lynching' campaign against Stevanovic.

Bias read (Conservative): The article exhibits strong right-leaning bias through its framing and vocabulary. It labels critical media outlets as 'PR services of certain transitional groups' rather than independent journalism, uses emotionally charged terms like 'lynching' and 'absurd' to describe the opposition's reaction, и

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter
Did Stevanović take advantage of his position as head of the UN? "I confirm every statement on the tape".

Zoran Stevanovic, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, has denied allegations of corruption and abuse of power regarding his role in securing land for a new Orthodox church in Kranj. The controversy stems from a video released by POP TV, in which Stevanovic stated he used his political influence to find a donor for the land purchase. He argued at a press conference that no official auction had yet taken place and therefore no wrongdoing occurred, challenging journalists to identify specific evidence of corruption. The footage also features Kranj Mayor Matjaz Rakovec discussing the possibility of quickly changing the land’s zoning designation from agricultural to sacred use via an expedited procedure. Rakovec noted that the land was originally intended for a cemetery but could be repurposed, suggesting that the process would involve a public tender before any construction begins.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the controversy by including direct quotes from both the accused politician (Stevanovic) and the local mayor (Rakovec). It reports the specific claims made in the leaked video and Stevanovic's subsequent denial without using emotionally charged adjectives,

Lokalec logoLokalecIndependentCenter
Stevanović: I will use the office of UN President to help people 20 more times

Speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly Zoran Stevanovic defended his role in facilitating a donation for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj, stating he would use his position twenty more times if necessary to help people. He acknowledged meeting businessman Mladen Milanovic, who expressed intent to donate for the project, but denied allegations of corruption or abuse of office. Stevanovic clarified that the city council holds the authority to decide on the sale of municipal land, while Mayor Matjaz Rakovec retains the option to sign or withhold the contract. The controversy stems from a video released by POP TV showing Stevanovic discussing how his function helped secure a donor for the land purchase. The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption has opened preliminary proceedings after receiving multiple complaints regarding the matter.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of a high-profile political scandal involving the Speaker of the House. It quotes the accused politician directly, including his defensive remarks and specific denials of wrongdoing, while simultaneously citing the opposing evidence (the leaked video) and the

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter
Bervar Sternad: 'Civil servants represent the public interest of the entire population'

The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) has announced it will investigate allegations involving Zoran Stevanovic, President of the National Assembly, and Matjaz Rakovec, Mayor of Kranj, regarding the acquisition of municipal land for a Orthodox church construction project. The inquiry follows media reports and video footage released by POP TV, which showed Stevanovic stating he used his position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milancic, for the land purchase, while the mayor suggested the land could have been auctioned but was instead allocated through a fast-track procedure. Both the KPK and the National Investigative Office confirmed they are reviewing whether these actions constitute criminal offenses or violations of integrity laws. In response, KPK Chairwoman Katarina Bervar Sternad emphasized that public officials represent the entire population rather than just their voters and must act in the general public interest. Stevanovic publicly denied any wrongdoing, stating that no formal proceedings had been initiated against him and that he had not been informed of specific errors.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced report on an ongoing corruption investigation involving high-ranking political figures. It includes direct quotes from both the investigating body (KPK) and the accused (Stevanovic), detailing the procedural steps being taken and the differing perspectives on the land

Reporter logoReporterIndependentConservative
Stevanović railed against the journalist of POP TV: You are lying!

The Speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly, Zoran Stevanovic, reacted angrily to a video published by POP TV showing him discussing the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. In the footage, Stevanovic stated that he used his position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milanovic, for the purchase of municipal land intended for the church. When challenged by a reporter regarding potential corruption or abuse of power, Stevanovic shouted 'You lie' and insisted he was merely describing possibilities rather than promising a rigged tender. He argued that there is no current auction or legal issue, noting that the city council must decide on the sale and the mayor has the option to sign or withhold the contract. Stevanovic defended his actions by stating he would use his office twenty more times if necessary to help people, while acknowledging he met the donor once in Ljubljana but claimed he spoke with the donor's representatives.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the story around the Speaker's aggressive defense against accusations of corruption, highlighting his dismissal of journalistic inquiries ('You lie') and his justification of using state influence for private interests. By focusing heavily on his defiant rhetoric and lack of legal

Maribor24 logoMaribor24IndependentConservative
Stevanović: How are you not ashamed, 30 journalists found you ...

Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, denied allegations of corruption and abuse of office regarding his involvement in finding a donor for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. He stated that he has no personal interest in the project and emphasized his intent to assist a community that has sought funding for this sacred object for decades. Stevanovic clarified that he did not promise a specific public tender but rather outlined various possibilities for land acquisition, asserting that any future tender would follow standard procedures where the best offer wins. He noted that no formal legal proceedings are currently underway against him, although the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) is conducting a preliminary review of the matter. When asked if he used his political position to secure the donor, Stevanovic acknowledged that his role provided him with access to certain contacts and information, but argued that helping people find donors is a positive act comparable to supporting fire departments or sports clubs.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the story primarily through the lens of the accused politician’s defense, quoting his denials and justifications extensively while presenting the accusations as vague questions from journalists. The headline focuses on his rhetorical retort to the press ('How are you not ashamed')

Radio Ognjišče logoRadio OgnjiščeParty-alignedConservative
Stevanović: I used the function to get to know the donor, and I'll do it again

Zoran Stevanović, President of the Slovenian National Assembly and leader of the Resnica party, rejected allegations of corruption and abuse of office related to his efforts to secure a donor for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. He stated that he intentionally used his position to identify potential donors who represent Slovenian companies, arguing that this was a legitimate act to support a religious community that has sought such facilities for decades. Stevanović clarified that he met once with Mladen Milanović at an event but did not discuss donations directly, noting that he does not know the specific amount of the potential donation or the land value. He denied claims that he promised a rigged tender process, explaining that any sale would require a decision by the city council, which is expected to occur after February when a new council takes office. The Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Investigative Service are currently investigating the matter following multiple reports.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the story through the lens of Stevanović’s defense against corruption charges, emphasizing his justification that using his political power to facilitate a donation for a religious group is acceptable and beneficial. It highlights his dismissal of the journalist’s questioning and,

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenter
The CCP has received several complaints against Stevanovic and Rakovc.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has received multiple complaints regarding State Assembly President Zoran Stevanovic and Kranj Mayor Matjaz Rakovec following media reports about land acquisition for a Orthodox church. The incident stems from a video released by POP TV where Stevanovic stated he used his position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milancic, for purchasing municipal agricultural land designated for a cemetery. Rakovec claimed the land could be put up for auction via a fast-track procedure, while Stevanovic noted the mayor could withhold signing if higher bids emerged. Both officials deny wrongdoing; Rakovec clarified that the legal shortened procedure still takes at least eighteen months, and Stevanovic admitted using his role to gain access but insisted he acted lawfully to help the community. The KPK announced it will conduct a preliminary review under integrity laws before deciding whether to open a formal investigation.

Bias read (Center): The article maintains a neutral tone by presenting the allegations alongside direct quotes from both accused officials defending their actions. It accurately reports the KPK's procedural stance without injecting editorial judgment or favoring either side's narrative.

Gorenjski glas logoGorenjski glasIndependentCenter
Rakovac and Stevanovic are accused of corruption

A leaked video by POP TV has sparked corruption allegations against Kranj mayor Matjaž Rakovec and National Assembly President Zoran Stevanovic regarding land intended for an Orthodox church. In the recording, Stevanovic claims he secured a donor, identified as Bosnian businessman Mladen Miljanovic, for the land purchase, while Rakovec suggests changing the zoning of municipal agricultural land currently designated for a cemetery into sacred use via a fast-track procedure. The Anti-Corruption Commission has received multiple complaints and will conduct a preliminary review of the matter. Mayor Rakovec denies making any promises, stating that land sales require city council approval, independent valuation, and public auction, and clarifies that his comments referred to legal procedural timelines rather than immediate action. Stevanovic dismisses the accusations, questioning where his personal benefit lies in helping the local community.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of a high-profile political scandal involving senior officials. It quotes both accused individuals directly, allowing them to present their defenses alongside the initial allegations derived from the leaked footage. The tone remains factual, relying on direct引

Reporter logoReporterIndependentCenter
The CCP has filed complaints against Stevanovic and Rakovc.

The Slovenian Integrity Commission (KPK) has opened preliminary proceedings regarding allegations involving National Assembly President Zoran Stevanovic and Kranj Mayor Matjaz Rakovec. The investigation follows a video released by POP TV in which Stevanovic stated he used his position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milancic, for the purchase of municipal land intended for an Orthodox church in Kranj. In the same footage, Mayor Rakovec suggested the agricultural land could be put up for auction and its zoning changed via a fast-track procedure, while noting Stevanovic had the option to withhold signing the contract if higher bids emerged. Rakovec later clarified that the 'fast track' refers to a legal shortened process lasting at least eighteen months and denied promising any specific location, asserting he acts within the law. The KPK emphasized that public officials must act in the general interest and avoid abusing their positions to grant privileges outside established procedures.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of a high-profile integrity case involving top political figures. It quotes the Integrity Commission's procedural stance and principles, details the specific claims made in the leaked video, and includes the mayor's direct rebuttal and clarification. By juxtap

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentConservative
"You claim that I have taken advantage of the office of president of the United Nations. - I know! And I would do it 20 more times!"

Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly and leader of the Resnica party, held a press conference to deny allegations of corruption and abuse of power regarding his involvement in securing land for a Orthodox church in Kranj. He acknowledged using his high-ranking position to gain access to information and contacts, including identifying a potential donor named Mladen Milanic, but insisted he did not personally negotiate the deal or promise specific outcomes. Stevanovic rejected claims that he promised Mayor Matjaz Rakovec would hold off on signing contracts if higher bids appeared at auction, stating he was merely outlining legal possibilities rather than making guarantees. When accused by journalists of lying about these intentions, he responded aggressively, asserting that municipal authorities had not yet initiated any official procedures for the land sale.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the story primarily through the lens of the politician's defense, quoting his defiant and aggressive responses to journalists ('Lie. You openly lie'). It highlights his admission of leveraging his office while emphasizing his denial of illegal intent, presenting a narrative where,

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒Conservative
Stevanović becomes the Teflon politician of the 21st century on steroids

The article reports on a controversy involving a video recording from a meeting of a Serbian cultural society in Kranj, where National Assembly President Zoran Stevanovic and Mayor Matjaž Rakovec discussed potential locations for building an Orthodox church. Mayor Rakovec publicly stated that he made no promises during the meeting and emphasized his adherence to legislation, while Stevanovic announced plans to issue a statement in Kranj. The piece features commentary from Nina Stankovic, a partner at the communications firm NC3, who compares Stevanovic to former Prime Minister Karol Erjavec, describing him as a 'Teflon politician' whose actions do not stick due to high integrity issues. Stankovic argues that this incident indicates very low integrity but does not expect it to significantly impact the outcome of upcoming municipal elections.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the subject through highly critical language, labeling the politician as having 'very little integrity' and comparing him to a controversial figure known for evading accountability ('Teflon'). It relies exclusively on a critic from a PR agency rather than providing balanced views,

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentProgressive
Left and Freedom Movement sharply against Stevanovic, not so united with Rakovets

A video recording has emerged showing Zoran Stevanovic, President of the National Assembly, and Matjaz Rakovec, Mayor of Kranj and member of the Social Democrats (SD), discussing land designated for a cemetery but potentially repurposed for an Orthodox church construction project. The Left party condemned the interaction as unacceptable corruption indicative of a mafia state, demanding both officials resign and urging prosecutors to investigate potential abuse of power involving private interests. They highlighted concerns that public land intended for civic use might be manipulated through fast-traced procedures benefiting specific individuals linked to Stevanovic, including businessman Mladen Milanic. In contrast, the Freedom Movement criticized Stevanovic’s suitability for his parliamentary role based on the footage but stated that Rakovec’s fate should be determined by voters in upcoming local elections rather than immediate dismissal. Both Stevanovic and Rakovec denied abusing their positions, while Rakovec noted that land designation changes could occur via expedited administrative processes.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the controversy primarily through the lens of opposition parties, specifically quoting extensively from the Left party's accusations of corruption and mafia-like behavior. While it includes the Freedom Movement's more measured criticism, the emphasis on severe misconduct, callsfor

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒Center
Stevanović to the journalist: "You are lying!"

Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly and leader of the Resnica party, denied allegations of abusing his office to secure land for a new Orthodox church in Kranj. Speaking at a press conference near the proposed site, he rejected claims made by a Pop TV journalist regarding a rigged tender process, stating directly, 'You are lying.' He explained that he merely introduced a donor, Mladen Miljanovic, who expressed willingness to support the local community, and emphasized that any sale of municipal land would require a decision by the city council rather than direct action by the mayor. The controversy followed the release of a video from a meeting of the Brdo Serbian cultural society, where Stevanovic stated he was proud to have secured a donor for the project using his state position. Mayor Matjaz Rakovec of Kranj also denied promising specific land or withholding contract signatures.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of a political dispute involving high-level officials. It quotes the accused politician's defensive statements and the journalist's accusations without adopting a clear partisan stance. The tone remains factual, focusing on the denial of abuse of power and the

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter
The CCP has already received several complaints about Stevanovic's alleged dealings over land in Kranj.

The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) has received multiple reports regarding alleged agreements between Zoran Stevanovic, President of the National Assembly, and Matjaz Rakovec, Mayor of Kranj, concerning land intended for the construction of an Orthodox church. The allegations stem from a video published by POP TV, in which Stevanovic stated he used his position to secure a donor, businessman Mladen Milancic, for purchasing municipal agricultural land currently designated for a cemetery under spatial planning rules. Rakovec claimed in the same footage that the land could be put up for auction and its purpose changed through a fast-track procedure, while noting he had the option to withhold signing the contract if higher bids emerged. In response, Rakovec clarified that the 'fast track' refers to a statutory shortened process lasting at least eighteen months and denied promising any specific location, asserting that he always acts in accordance with legislation. The KPK stated it will conduct a preliminary review to determine jurisdiction under integrity laws and emphasized that public officials must act in the general interest without abusing their positions to授予s

Bias read (Center): The article maintains a neutral tone by presenting the allegations based on media reports and video evidence, followed directly by the official responses from both the implicated politicians and the anti-corruption commission. It does not employ loaded language to condemn either party but rather rel

Reporter logoReporterIndependentCenter
Mayor of Kranj Rakovec after the "church" affair: I do everything according to the law

The mayor of Kranj, Rok Rakovec, issued a written statement clarifying his remarks made at a recent meeting of the Serbian cultural and artistic society regarding the construction of an Orthodox church. He denied allegations that he promised to bypass standard legal procedures or guarantee specific land sales, stating that all decisions regarding land disposal are exclusively within the authority of the city council and must follow public tender laws. Rakovec explained that his reference to a 'fast procedure' referred to a legally defined shortened administrative process that still takes at least eighteen months, rather than an immediate action. The controversy stems from comments by Stevanovic, who claimed the mayor had secured a donor for the land purchase and implied that the mayor could withhold contract signatures if other bidders offered higher prices. Rakovec firmly rejected these claims, asserting that he has always acted in accordance with legislation and did not make such promises.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a direct conflict between two political figures regarding local governance and land allocation. It quotes both the mayor’s defensive clarification and the critic’s accusations almost equally, allowing the reader to see both perspectives without adopting a clear editorial stance.

Maribor24 logoMaribor24IndependentConservative
Stevanović hit back: The point of politics is to help people

Zoran Stevanovic, President of the Slovenian National Assembly and leader of the Resnica party, denied allegations of abusing his position after video recordings surfaced showing him discussing potential donors for the construction of an Orthodox church in Kranj. Stevanovic argued that identifying donors during official meetings does not constitute misconduct, stating that the purpose of politics is to help people and comparing the situation to supporting volunteer firefighters. He emphasized that no formal procurement procedures were involved and questioned who was harmed by his actions. Kranj Mayor Matjaz Rakovec issued a statement clarifying that while multiple locations for the church were discussed, none were promised or selected. The mayor affirmed that any land sales would strictly follow legal requirements, including public auctions and decisions made exclusively by the city council.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the controversy primarily through the lens of the accused politician’s defense, dedicating significant space to Stevanovic’s arguments that he acted within normal political duties to assist citizens. By highlighting his dismissal of the media coverage as 'manufactured scandals' ('

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