Asta Vrečko, former minister for culture and member of the Left party, has publicly criticized the current government led by Janez Janša for its alleged neglect of cultural funding. In a post on social media, she highlighted concerns over insufficient financial support for cultural institutions during the summer floods of August 2023. Despite the severe impact of the disaster, Vrečko stated that no cultural institution was left without resources, and that even two films affected by flooding received additional funding through the integrated budget to complete their production. She emphasized that while the situation was challenging, the government managed to provide necessary support without cutting existing contracts or canceling ongoing projects. Vrečko pointed out that despite these efforts, members of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) mocked the intervention law, claiming it represented wasted money. She noted that two successful films, Igrišča ne damo and Ida, which won numerous awards, were among those supported. She argued that the excuse of lacking funds in the budget to halt calls for grants, non-state actors, and fulfillment of contractual obligations is merely a distraction. According to her, the budget for culture this year and next is record-breaking, and that without such funding, calls for grants could not even be issued. She further accused the SDS of engaging in a cultural ideological battle against those they have labeled as enemies. Vrečko claimed that the party has repeatedly shown hostility toward cultural institutions, including the previous removal of the Ministry of Culture and the implementation of an explicitly anti-cultural policy. She stressed that the current actions are part of a continued pattern, and that the time has come for all parties to recognize that the SDS does not understand nor care for Slovenian culture. Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc faced criticism after stating during a meeting of the National Council for Culture that the tripartite contract with the Public Institute for Contemporary Dance was unimplementable due to lack of funds. The institute, established by three founding bodies, had been operating under a legal framework that was deemed legally unsound. Jarc explained that there was no adequate legal basis for financing the institute’s operations in 2026, citing the absence of a staffing plan, work program, and financial plan. Simon Kardum, acting director of the Public Institute for Contemporary Dance, responded by calling Jarc’s statement a deliberate deception. He argued that the ministry had not approved the systematic allocation of positions, making the staffing plan impossible to create. Kardum also pointed out that the organizational structure proposed by the ministry included two regional coordinators funded by local municipalities and six permanent staff positions, which were meant exclusively for creators and artists. He emphasized that the remaining positions fell under cohesion funds and were intended for operational necessity rather than long-term employment. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the institute has raised alarm within the dance community. Teja Reba, president of the Association for Contemporary Dance, expressed concern over the potential dissolution of the institute, noting the effort invested in establishing it with minimal resources and a small team. She warned that the state's failure to honor its commitments undermines public trust in the rule of law and the credibility of cultural policies. Local officials, including Mayor Samo Turel of Nova Gorica, have also voiced concerns. Turel acknowledged the difficulties in securing funding for the institute, pointing out technical issues with the founding agreement, particularly the ambiguity regarding the amount of capital allocated. He noted that the institute was technically established in April 2023, following approval by municipal councils, though the actual formation occurred later. Turel emphasized that the legal status of the institute remains unclear, leaving its future uncertain.
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