RTV Slovenia in liquidity problems, are the salaries of employees at risk?

RTV Slovenia, a public broadcasting service, faces liquidity challenges that threaten employee salaries, according to its management. The situation arose just before the July payroll was due, with the Treasury Directorate providing a loan significantly less than previously agreed upon. Instead of the promised €12 million, the agency offered only €9.5 million, citing upcoming budget reallocations and uncertain repayment sources for loans RTV Slovenia would need to return in 2026. The issue stems from a prior agreement with the Ministry of Finance, under which RTV Slovenia anticipated receiving €12 million in 2026 from the state’s unified treasury account. However, the Treasury Directorate informed RTV Slovenia last week that this amount would be reduced to €9.5 million. This decision has left the organization with €2.5 million fewer liquid funds than planned, affecting its ability to meet current obligations. RTV Slovenia's management stated they have taken all necessary measures to ensure full payment of salaries on August 14 and honorariums on August 18. These payments were deemed a top priority. In the meantime, the organization is taking out monthly loans until the money from the RTV contribution arrives on their accounts. Natalija Gorščak, chair of RTV Slovenia’s board, emphasized that the Treasury Directorate, which operates under the Ministry of Finance, had failed to uphold the previous agreement for the first time. She noted that such actions place RTV Slovenia in a position where it must pay higher interest rates to commercial banks, whereas in the past, it could borrow from the state. Gorščak does not see a reason for the rejection of the request from the treasury, given that all previous loans were regularly repaid and there should be no issues with meeting obligations. RTV Slovenia expects the government to fulfill its legal responsibilities, as it is the institution’s founder. Currently, discussions are underway with representatives of the government, including meetings with the minister regarding the financing agreement for national programs and music production. Gorščak hopes for an agreement with the government on how to restructure the public institution in the future, acknowledging that any restructuring will come at a cost. Gorščak highlighted that over the past eight years, the number of employees at RTV Slovenia has decreased by 279, more than in other public institutions in Slovenia. On average, 25 employees retire each year, but replacements are made only occasionally. She stressed that users who pay the RTV contribution deserve the preservation of the public service, a responsibility the government should recognize. She particularly emphasized RTV Slovenia’s role in preserving the Slovenian language and culture, creating quality programming for children and youth, and offering content tailored to individuals who might find news difficult to understand, as well as those with hearing or visual impairments. The situation underscores the delicate balance RTV Slovenia must maintain between fulfilling its public service mandate and navigating financial constraints imposed by broader fiscal policies. As negotiations continue with the government, the focus remains on ensuring that essential operations, including employee compensation, remain unaffected despite the current liquidity crisis.