Let's help the notaries!

In late afternoon on Friday, television presenter Žiga Bonča invited Bojan Podgoršek, president of the Slovenian Bar Association, to his studio for a segment titled Pomagajmo notarjem! (Let's help the notaries!). The discussion centered around the role and responsibilities of notaries in Slovenia, with particular focus on their ethical obligations and how they navigate complex legal scenarios. The conversation took an unexpected turn when Bonča raised concerns about a specific case involving the transfer of ownership of a company called Progros, which had been linked to alleged fraudulent activity. According to reports, the notary Bojan Podgoršek was asked whether he could have denied the transfer of ownership of Progros to a person named Mijič, who had previously appointed a director from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a move considered suspicious by many. Podgoršek initially expressed disapproval, calling the situation unacceptable. However, he later stated that as a notary, he must adhere strictly to the law and could not refuse to process such a transaction simply because it appeared unethical or potentially illegal. He argued that the legal framework required him to proceed with the formalities, even if the underlying actions seemed questionable. The discussion quickly turned into a broader critique of the profession. Viewers were encouraged to examine public records, including those available on the BizInfo portal, which showed that Progros had one of the worst business ratings in the country. Additionally, access to the Ajpes register revealed that the company no longer held active bank accounts within Slovenia, information that should have been readily available to any professional handling its affairs. Despite this, notaries, according to critics, continue to engage in these transactions, often under pressure to maintain client relationships and ensure continued income. Bonča pointed out that while notaries claim to uphold the highest standards of legality and integrity, their involvement in such cases raises serious questions about their ethical stance. He noted that notaries are expected to verify the legitimacy of businesses before drafting contracts, yet they still participate in processes that appear to facilitate dubious activities. This contradiction has led to growing public distrust, especially among those who believe that notaries should act as guardians of legal fairness rather than mere facilitators of financial transactions. The debate highlighted a deeper issue: the balance between legal compliance and moral responsibility. While notaries are legally bound to follow procedures, there is increasing pressure from both clients and the system itself to prioritize efficiency over ethical scrutiny. Critics argue that this dynamic allows unethical practices to persist under the guise of legality, undermining the very principles notaries are supposed to protect. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the role of notaries in Slovenia is being scrutinized more than ever. Public awareness of legal transparency is rising, and calls for greater accountability are gaining traction. Whether this leads to meaningful reform or further erosion of trust remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the discussion sparked by this segment has opened a wider dialogue about the responsibilities, and limitations, of professionals entrusted with upholding the rule of law.