The Logar family gave $2 million to the Handler's daughter to save him from the state.

On August 17, 2026, the Slovenian public agency Spirit, under the Ministry of Economy led by Anže Logar, awarded nearly two million euros in subsidies to the bakery company Presta, which is currently owned by Zala Ročnik, daughter of Tomaž Ročnik. This decision has sparked controversy due to the history of Tomaž Ročnik, once one of Slovenia’s wealthiest individuals, who had previously evaded state claims against him. Tomaž Ročnik, who was once among Slovenia's richest citizens, faced legal consequences in 2023 after being found guilty of abuse of position related to the collapse of the Klasje Celje bakery, which resulted in over 100 job losses. He received a two-year prison sentence, though this was later overturned by the Supreme Court due to procedural errors. Prior to his conviction, Ročnik had transferred the majority of his assets to his family members, including his daughter Zala, to avoid paying four million euros in compensation to the state. The bakery company Presta, which Ročnik founded before passing it on to his daughter, is now receiving a substantial government subsidy. The grant, part of a larger funding package distributed by Spirit for investment projects in the Zasavje and Savinja, Šaleška regions, amounts to 1.8 million euros. According to data from the application submitted by Presta, the company generates approximately two million euros in annual revenue. Thus, the state’s contribution for the project is effectively equivalent to the company’s yearly income, raising questions about the justification for such a large financial support. The project, titled “Advanced Automated Local Agro-Food Production of Authentic Regional Bakery Products,” involves collaboration with another company, Nala Park, which Ročnik had previously transferred to his daughter. However, Nala Park has been inactive in recent years. Despite its current status, Presta was selected as the 13th recipient out of 14 small and medium-sized enterprises in the region competing for the funds. This ranking suggests that the company was considered less competitive than others in the bidding process. The situation surrounding Presta’s eligibility for the subsidy became more complex after the initial call for proposals in May 2024, which was later canceled following pressure from then-Minister Matjaž Han. A new tender was issued in late 2025, leading to the eventual awarding of the grant to Presta. The company’s inclusion in the final list of recipients has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the allocation of public funds. The involvement of Tomaž Ročnik’s family in managing Presta adds further layers to the controversy. While the company’s current owner, Zala Ročnik, has benefited from the state’s financial backing, the broader implications of allowing a business associated with past legal issues to receive substantial public money remain under scrutiny. Critics argue that the decision reflects a lack of accountability and raises ethical questions about how public resources are managed in light of previous misconduct by the company’s founder. As the debate continues, the focus remains on the financial implications of the subsidy and the broader context of how public funds are allocated in Slovenia. With the Ministry of Economy continuing to oversee such initiatives, the case of Presta serves as a focal point for discussions around economic policy, corporate responsibility, and the role of public institutions in supporting local businesses.