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State Secretary Mojca Škrinjar sharply criticizes the tradition of pheasantry: Where did this custom come from?
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/3/2026

State Secretary Mojca Škrinjar sharply criticizes the tradition of pheasantry: Where did this custom come from?

The first day of school this year was marked by the well-known tradition of 'fazaniranje,' where incoming high school students are often subjected to being painted, sprayed, and covered in flour. This practice has long been part of the start of secondary education in Slovenia but continues to raise concerns about whether it remains a harmless initiation rite or has become a form of bullying, humiliation, or violence. Incidents were particularly intense in Maribor, where students threw eggs and flour, damaged a shop display, and even injured one girl who required medical attention. Police urged students who were forced into the ritual against their will to report the incident and announced they would investigate potential violations. The state secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education and Youth, Mojca Škrinjar, criticized the practice on social media, calling it shameful and questioning its purpose. She emphasized that such rituals should not involve coercion, humiliation, or dangerous behavior. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) also warned that while the tradition might be harmless in itself, it must remain safe and respectful, highlighting risks like alcohol, psyc

On September 1, 2026, the start of the school year saw the return of a long-standing tradition among high school students in Slovenia, fazaniranje, or initiation rituals for new students. This practice, which involves painting, throwing eggs, and scattering flour on first-year students, has sparked controversy once again due to incidents involving physical harm and coercion. In Maribor, police were alerted around noon about young people throwing eggs and flour at shops and damaging building facades. One girl suffered from loss of consciousness after inhaling paint used for metal treatment and required medical attention. Police have called on victims of forced initiation to report the incidents, stating they will investigate possible violations of public order and criminal acts. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth responded strongly to these developments. State secretary Mojca Škrinjar, responsible for higher education and youth affairs, criticized the tradition on social media, asking, "What purpose does this serve?" She questioned whether such rituals send a message of acceptance to new students or instead promote humiliation and intimidation. According to the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), initiation can be part of tradition, but it must remain safe and respectful. They emphasized that initiation should not involve alcohol or other psychoactive substances, dangerous activities, skin marking with inappropriate materials, slapping, sexual advances, humiliation, or recording and sharing images without consent. NIJZ specifically highlighted the pressure exerted by groups and stressed that participation must always be voluntary. A parent whose daughter attended the Škofijska Klasična Gymnasium shared his experience, noting that his daughter was not painted or slapped. He explained that she had refused to participate, and those who wanted to initiate her knew exactly where to find her between 11 AM and 1 PM on Čopova Street in Ljubljana. Research conducted by psychologists Dr. Sonja Pečjak and Dr. Tina Pirc from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ljubljana found that nearly half of the participants in informal initiation did not take part voluntarily. Their study, published in 2020, highlights the potential for coercion and the negative impact on students' well-being. In Ljubljana, police received four reports of suspected criminal behavior linked to the first day of school. While no elements of criminal acts were observed on-site, one individual needed medical assistance after inhaling paint. In Maribor, a shop facade was damaged, and police continue to gather information related to alleged criminal activity. NIJZ investigated the materials used in initiation, finding that while brief exposure to small amounts of chemicals during skin marking typically poses no health risk, industrial-grade paints and other harmful substances are particularly concerning, especially when used against a student’s will. Allergies and skin contact with various natural or synthetic substances were noted as additional risks. Following recent events, Minister of Education, Science, and Youth Borut Rončević expressed deep concern and condemnation of such behavior. He stated that such actions are unacceptable and cannot be justified through tradition or custom. Schools aim to create a secure, inclusive environment where new students feel accepted and safe upon entering a new educational phase. The issue of initiation has become increasingly complex, reflecting broader societal concerns regarding the normalization of violence and bullying among youth. As authorities and institutions continue to address these challenges, the balance between tradition and safety remains under scrutiny.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

5 reports

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 859/2/2026
State Secretary Mojca Škrinjar sharply criticizes the tradition of pheasantry: Where did this custom come from?

The first day of school this year was marked by the well-known tradition of 'fazaniranje,' where incoming high school students are often subjected to being painted, sprayed, and covered in flour. This practice has long been part of the start of secondary education in Slovenia but continues to raise concerns about whether it remains a harmless initiation rite or has become a form of bullying, humiliation, or violence. Incidents were particularly intense in Maribor, where students threw eggs and flour, damaged a shop display, and even injured one girl who required medical attention. Police urged students who were forced into the ritual against their will to report the incident and announced they would investigate potential violations. The state secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education and Youth, Mojca Škrinjar, criticized the practice on social media, calling it shameful and questioning its purpose. She emphasized that such rituals should not involve coercion, humiliation, or dangerous behavior. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) also warned that while the tradition might be harmless in itself, it must remain safe and respectful, highlighting risks like alcohol, psyc

Bias read (Center): The article presents both criticism of the tradition and official warnings from the National Institute of Public Health, without overtly favoring one side over another. It includes direct quotes from the state secretary and mentions police involvement, providing balanced perspectives.

Why factuality (95): The article reports on the traditional practice of 'fazaniranje' at the start of school, describing events in Maribor where police were called due to incidents involving throwing mud and eggs, damaging property, and one student needing medical attention. It quotes the minister's strong reaction on s

Why objectivity (85): The tone is somewhat critical of the tradition, using phrases like 'sramota' and questioning the purpose of such rituals. While not overtly biased, there is an underlying concern about the potential harm, which slightly reduces objectivity.

+Portal (Portal Plus) logo+Portal (Portal Plus)IndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 809/1/2026
Where does violent "phasing" on the edge of the law lead?

The article discusses the issue of 'fazaniranje' (a form of playful teasing or bullying among students), which has evolved into a serious form of bullying in Slovenia. It highlights concerns over physical harm inflicted on younger students by older peers, with police urging victims to report incidents. Experts note that while some cases involve individuals who exhibit problematic behavior in other contexts, the increasing presence of violence globally affects youth. The National Institute for Public Health emphasizes that such actions must remain voluntary and safe. Authorities, including Education Minister Borut Rončevič, condemn bullying that involves humiliation or fear, stressing the need for responsible behavior.

Bias read (Center): While the article raises concerns about bullying and calls for stricter measures, it does not overtly favor any political ideology. It presents multiple perspectives, expert opinions, police warnings, and governmental statements, without clear ideological leaning. The tone remains balanced between den

Why factuality (93): The article includes specific details from the National Institute for Health Protection regarding the dangers of certain materials used in 'fazaniranje.' It also reports on police involvement and the extent of damage caused. Consistent with other reports, though some details are speculative.

Why objectivity (80): The article uses emotionally charged language, such as 'nasilje' and 'pogosto tudi odkritim fizičnim nasiljem,' which suggests a strong negative viewpoint. This affects the overall objectivity.

Domovina logoDomovinaIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 859/2/2026
Phasing between tradition and violence: where is the line?

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'fazaniranje' (traditionally known as 'first-day initiation') among Slovenian high school students, highlighting concerns over the extent and nature of bullying faced by first-year students. While some students report no issues, others describe being forced into uncomfortable situations involving inappropriate substances like paint, flour, and eggs. In Maribor, incidents led to police involvement, including one case where a student lost consciousness after inhaling paint. Police reports indicate four suspected criminal acts in Ljubljana, though none were confirmed. The article emphasizes that while these incidents are reported, they do not necessarily represent widespread behavior, and many students participate out of fear rather than willingness.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of 'fazaniranje' as a form of bullying rather than a cultural tradition, emphasizing the harm caused to students and questioning the justification of such practices. It highlights the physical and psychological impact on victims, criticizes the normalization of harmful行为

Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed accounts of the incidents in Maribor, including police involvement and the need for medical assistance. It references expert opinions and mentions the broader societal issue of youth violence. Information is consistent with other sources.

Why objectivity (85): The tone is critical of the practice, suggesting it has become violent and harmful. While factual, the language implies a moral judgment, reducing neutrality.

+Portal (Portal Plus) logo+Portal (Portal Plus)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 659/2/2026
Where does violent "phasing" on the edge of the law lead?

The article discusses the increasing issue of 'fazeniranje' (a form of bullying or harassment among teenagers) in Slovenia, which has escalated into violent behavior. Once seen as harmless teasing, this practice now involves physical harm and coercion, prompting calls for awareness and intervention. The police have urged reports of such incidents, noting potential legal violations. Experts emphasize that while occasional playful behavior is normal, forced humiliation, injury, or exposure to danger crosses into unacceptable territory. The National Institute of Public Health warns against any form of non-consensual interaction, urging caution in activities involving alcohol, risky behaviors, or personal boundaries. Education Minister Borut Rončevič condemned such practices when they involve intimidation or degradation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of the issue, citing experts, the police, and government officials without overtly favoring one perspective over another. It focuses on societal responsibility and the need for awareness rather than taking a clear ideological stance.

Why factuality (85): The article discusses the phenomenon of 'fazaniranje' (mocking) as a form of bullying among teenagers, referencing police involvement and expert opinions. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that this behavior has escalated into physical abuse and is linked to broader societal issues like expo

Why objectivity (65): The tone is critical and somewhat accusatory towards various groups including parents, educators, and the state. The language suggests a moral judgment rather than presenting facts neutrally. While it acknowledges systemic failures, it does not balance perspectives or provide counterarguments.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 80Objective 609/3/2026
There are no innocents in phasing.

The article discusses the growing normalization of 'fazaniranje' (a form of bullying or teasing involving humiliation) among children, including those transitioning from kindergarten to elementary school. The author criticizes the education system, parents, and authorities for failing to address this behavior, suggesting that they enable such conduct by not taking decisive action. The writer questions whether institutions responsible for upbringing and education are capable of condemning these behaviors as dehumanizing and morally unacceptable. They also imply that some professionals, like doctors, might engage in similar behavior while encouraging it in their children. The article argues that the state avoids addressing these issues under the guise of freedom, human rights, and compliance with European regulations, allowing harmful practices to persist.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue of 'fazaniranje' as a moral and social failure of the education system, parents, and the state, emphasizing the need for stricter discipline and authority over children. It uses strong language to criticize institutions and individuals who fail to act against such degrad

Why factuality (80): This article also describes 'fazaniranje' as a growing issue involving psychological and physical abuse, citing concerns from educators and the public. It references the educational system's failure to address such behaviors and mentions the role of media and family influences. While it reflects com

Why objectivity (60): The language is highly charged and uses strong rhetorical questions to provoke emotion. It frames the issue as a moral failing of society and criticizes multiple institutions without offering alternative viewpoints or solutions. This leans toward an ideological stance rather than objective reporting

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