Following the attacks, the SDS responded: "Everyone is welcome to join our Viber and WhatsApp groups!"

Nova24TVParty-alignedConservativeNov 3

The ruling Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) has responded to recent media criticism regarding its internal group chats by publicly inviting all citizens, including non-members, to join its official Viber and WhatsApp groups. Prime Minister Janez Janša and his communications advisor issued this invitation via social media platforms, stating that the groups serve to share information about the party’s work and perspectives that mainstream media allegedly ignore. The article notes that while using group chats is a standard communication method for parties, critics had previously attempted to portray these channels as tools for discrediting political opponents. Despite ongoing attacks from opposition forces and central media outlets, the SDS reports continued growth in membership, having added nearly 8,000 new members this year, with over 2,600 joining since September 1.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the media as hostile attackers and portrays the party's chat groups as transparent truth-telling mechanisms ignored by biased press, reflecting a pro-government narrative typical of right-leaning coverage.

DemokracijaParty-alignedConservativeNov 3

The article defends the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) against recent media reports describing its internal communication channels as a secret propaganda machine. It argues that the Viber group mentioned by outlets like Mladina is publicly accessible and has been open to all since 2022, citing a public invitation posted by the party on social media. SDS member Jana Grzinic dismissed the coverage as misleading, noting that joining such groups is standard practice for political parties. Former party member Jure Colja also criticized the reporting as absurd, suggesting the media narrative is designed to scandalize routine political activities. The piece asserts that mainstream media, which it claims favors the left, amplified these stories based on screen recordings shared by anonymous sources.

Bias read (Conservative): The article uses defensive language like 'scandalous' and 'misleading' to characterize opposing media, explicitly labels mainstream outlets as biased toward the left, and relies exclusively on party insiders to refute accusations of secrecy.

Nova24TVParty-alignedConservativeNov 3

The article defends the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), the largest governing party, against recent media reports describing its internal communication channels as a secret propaganda machine. It argues that the Viber group in question has been publicly open since 2022, allowing anyone to join, which contradicts claims of secrecy. The piece cites MP Jana Grzinic, who shared evidence of a public invitation to join the channel, and former party member Jure Colja, who dismissed the media coverage as a typical spin tactic. The author characterizes the initial reporting by Mladina and subsequent mainstream coverage as misleading, suggesting these outlets favor the left-wing opposition and exaggerate ordinary party communications into scandals.

Bias read (Conservative): The article uses defensive language like 'media deception' and 'spin,' explicitly labels mainstream media as biased toward the left, and relies exclusively on party insiders to refute accusations of secrecy.