In the Štajerska countryside, a new residential building is taking shape on land owned by MP Katja Kokot, a veterinarian-turned-politician who has recently made headlines for her rapid career and salary increase following last year’s parliamentary elections. The construction of a prefabricated house began just over a week after the elections, which saw Kokot emerge as one of the most prominent figures within the Resnica party. At the same time, she secured a partner, Aljaž Palčec, who was hired as a specialist collaborator with her parliamentary group. Kokot has become a notable figure in the National Assembly, particularly due to her assertive leadership style during sessions of the Chamber of Deputies' working bodies. She frequently engaged with opposition members and promoted the interests of the Resnica party and its coalition government. Her involvement in proposed amendments to the Veterinary Act sparked controversy among veterinary professionals, and she gained further attention for allegations of attempted bribery. These claims were widely circulated in the media, though they were later dismissed after the tragic death of Dušan Konde, a former colleague. Despite these controversies, Kokot has continued to focus on her personal life, including the construction of her new home. The project, located near Jablanče, involves the demolition of an existing house built in 2005 and the construction of a new prefabricated structure along with a facility for food processing. While the groundwork for the construction permit was submitted nearly two years ago, the official start date came on March 31 this year. This timing coincided with her newly appointed position and the opportunity to provide employment to her partner. Palčec, who now works as a specialist collaborator in Kokot's parliamentary group, holds a formal contract under the provisions of the Law on the National Assembly and the Internal Organization Regulation of State Assembly Services. His employment commenced on June 1, 2026, and will continue until the dissolution of the Resnica parliamentary group, which was officially constituted on April 10, 2026. Interestingly, Palčec is not a stranger to legal troubles. He is the son of Vladimir Palčec, who in 2013 abruptly shut down his service company, Himar, in Maribor, leading to the layoff of 200 employees. The younger Palčec's current role with Kokot appears to be both professional and personal, although Kokot has been reluctant to confirm their relationship publicly. When asked whether Palčec is her private partner, she emphasized the right to privacy and family life, stating that political figures have the same rights as others. The connection between Kokot and Palčec dates back to 2017, when Kokot participated in a national competition for sheep shearing. A photograph of her during the event, taken by Palčec, was published by the media. Although Kokot placed third in the competition, the image helped boost her profile. However, the outcome of the competition did not prevent her from entering politics, where she quickly rose through the ranks.
2 reports
ReporterIndependentProgressiveFactual 65Objective 453 days agoThe article discusses the construction of a house by Slovenian parliament member Katja Kokot, who recently made a significant career and salary jump after the parliamentary elections. It highlights her efforts to build a prefabricated house on her property while also securing employment for her partner, Aljaž Palčec, as a specialist collaborator in her parliamentary group. The piece notes Kokot’s visibility in the National Assembly, particularly her assertive leadership style and promotion of her party, Resnica, along with controversial legislative proposals affecting veterinary medicine. It also references past controversies involving Kokot, including allegations of attempted bribery that were later dismissed after the tragic death of Dušan Konde. The article further mentions the timeline of the house construction, which began shortly after the elections, and connects it to Palčec’s new role in the National Assembly. Additionally, it briefly touches on the background of Palčec’s father, Vladimir Palčec, who had legal issues related to his business.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Kokot as a prominent and visible figure within the National Assembly, emphasizing her assertiveness and alignment with her party, Resnica. It portrays her actions—such as promoting her party and pushing through legislation—as central to her political strategy. While it does not ex
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 45): The article provides some factual details about Kokot's house construction and her political activities but includes subjective commentary such as 'morda najbolj vpadljivo novinko' and 'neumorno propaganda,' which suggest bias. The information aligns generally with other sources but lacks neutrality
ReporterIndependentProgressive19 hr. ago A sophisticated operative hired by her partner in the U.S., now she's playing victim.The article discusses Slovenian MP Katja Kokot, who is building a house in the municipality of Duplek, and her partner's employment in the National Assembly. Kokot's partner was employed by the parliamentary group of the Respublica party, which she leads. When asked about the house and her partner's job, Kokot was evasive about the house but defended the employment arrangement, stating there was no conflict of interest. She emphasized that her partner had been working with the party for four years and that denying him the position would have been unfair. The article notes this is not the first time someone in a relationship with an MP has received a job in parliament, citing the case of Žan Mahnič, whose girlfriend was employed by his parliamentary group. Kokot also expressed frustration over media reports she dislikes, calling them attacks on democracy and accusing critics of being 'paid agitators.' She claimed reporters were photographing her house and exposing her family, though the article clarifies that the photos were taken from a public road and did not include children.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a potential conflict of interest involving a politician and their partner, highlighting the controversy around such employment practices. It presents Kokot’s defense of the arrangement while noting similar cases in the past, including criticism from other MPs like
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