SloveniaA group of cultural associations has initiated a referendum campaign regarding changes to Slovenia’s electoral law that would remove voting rights from non-citizens with permanent residency permits. The proposed referendum requires 40,000 verified signatures, which could be collected starting September 1st, with a deadline of October 5th. However, organizers are reportedly considering withdrawing the initiative before the vote, potentially allowing opposition parties like Freedom Movement, Social Democrats (SD), and Left to request a constitutional review of the new law and its temporary suspension. This move could delay the implementation of the law until after November local elections, meaning voters would still follow the previous rules. Meanwhile, the National Assembly has already scheduled a consultative referendum on the same issue for October 11th, though legal experts argue this is unconstitutional since the legislature has already finalized its decision. The opposition remains divided on whether to challenge the referendum’s legality at the Constitutional Court.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, organizers of the referendum and the opposition seeking a constitutional review, without overtly favoring either side. It includes information on the potential impact of the law, the procedural challenges around the referendum, and the division within the ruling
