SloveniaThe article discusses a referendum campaign led by the Left Party (Levica) in Slovenia against an intervention law that would require retirees to continue paying a 1% contribution for long-term care, effectively removing their exemption from this payment. The law, passed by the National Assembly in May 2026, was delayed due to a referendum process allowed by the Constitutional Court. The Left argues that the law would impose ongoing contributions on retirees, while the ruling SDS party, represented by Janez Janša, criticizes the campaign as being driven by misinformation and hostility toward successful individuals. The referendum aims to decide whether to keep the law, which would eliminate the exemption and allow retirees to retain their full pension benefits if they remain active. As of now, 30,000 signatures have been collected in support of lower pensions, higher food and fuel prices, and longer waiting times.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Left Party's referendum campaign as a legitimate effort to protect retirees' rights, emphasizing the potential negative impact of continuing contributions. It contrasts this with criticism from the ruling SDS party, which is portrayed as opposing the removal of the exemption.
