Power to the People

A new online platform has been launched to centralize all current citizen-led initiatives in Slovenia. The website, mocljudem.si, was developed by the organization “Danes je nov dan” and is designed to provide users with easy access to ongoing public campaigns. The site aims to facilitate participation in these efforts and simplify access to basic information about each initiative, along with opportunities for support or collaboration. In a statement, the organization emphasized its stance against government policies it describes as harmful, stating, “The government wants chaos and apathy among citizens. Therefore, it launches damaging laws as they come. We will not allow this!” Currently, the platform features several key citizen-driven proposals. Among them is a campaign for a constitutional referendum opposing a proposed law on parliamentary investigations, referred to by campaigners as political police. Another initiative targets a law on interventionist measures for the development of Slovenia, which critics call the “cutting law.” Additionally, there is a proposal against a revised law on local elections, which seeks to revoke voting rights for women and men from third countries with permanent residence in Slovenia. The website encourages individuals to support these campaigns and assist them in achieving their goals. It provides detailed information on each initiative, including objectives, progress, and ways to get involved. Users can browse through the list of active campaigns and choose how to contribute, whether through financial support, volunteering, or spreading awareness. The organization behind the platform, “Danes je nov dan,” has positioned itself as a counterbalance to what it perceives as government overreach. Its members argue that recent legislative changes have undermined democratic processes and civil liberties. They believe that by consolidating public initiatives into one accessible space, they can better mobilize support and ensure greater transparency in civic engagement. The proposed laws under scrutiny include amendments to the Law on Parliamentary Investigations, which would grant authorities expanded powers to investigate politicians. Critics claim this could lead to abuse and undermine political freedoms. Similarly, the law on interventionist measures for development is viewed as an attempt to impose top-down economic strategies that disregard local autonomy. Campaigners argue that such measures could result in the fragmentation of Slovenia’s territory, hence the term “cutting law.” The local election law revision has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on voter eligibility. According to the campaign, the law would strip certain groups of their right to vote, based on nationality rather than residency status. This has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and legal experts who warn that such provisions could disenfranchise marginalized communities. Supporters of the initiatives emphasize the importance of grassroots activism in shaping policy. They point to past successes in mobilizing public opinion and influencing legislative outcomes. By creating a centralized hub for these efforts, the platform hopes to enhance coordination and visibility, making it easier for citizens to engage directly with the political process. As the campaigns gain traction, the organization continues to monitor developments and adjust its strategy accordingly. It plans to expand the platform’s functionality in the coming months, incorporating more interactive tools and real-time updates. The goal is to create a sustainable model for civic engagement that empowers citizens to take an active role in governance.