Miha Brejc has advised the opposition not to proceed with a referendum on whether President of the National Council Zoran Stevanović should resign, calling the move unwise. The former politician and deputy speaker of the National Assembly criticized the planned initiative by opposition parties, Sloboda, SD, and Ljubljana, as potentially undermining democratic processes and drawing undue attention to internal political tensions. According to reports from Delo, Brejc expressed his concerns during a studio interview, stating that if he could advise them, he would tell them not to pursue the referendum. He argued that such actions risked damaging public trust and diverting focus from broader issues facing Slovenia’s political landscape. The proposed referendum aims to force the National Council to remove Stevanović from office, following a petition signed by thousands of citizens demanding his resignation. However, Brejc suggested that the campaign had already lost credibility due to alleged foreign interference, particularly from Israeli intelligence agency Black Cube. He claimed that the petition was subjected to unusual attacks, which undermined its legitimacy despite the massive public response. Brejc emphasized that while the petition had gained significant support, the involvement of external actors cast doubt on its authenticity and effectiveness. In addition to questioning the integrity of the petition, Brejc raised broader concerns about the influence of foreign intelligence operations on Slovenian politics. He pointed to the ongoing investigation into the Black Cube affair and called for greater transparency and decisiveness in addressing such matters. Brejc also criticized the behavior of parliamentary leaders and highlighted the risks posed by political and intelligence manipulation. His comments touched upon recent developments involving Stevanović’s visit to Moscow and the situation surrounding President Nataša Pirc Musar, warning against the dangers of political coercion and misinformation. Meanwhile, Stevanović himself has accused RTV Slovenija of ignoring an invitation to comment on his stance regarding the petition. According to RTV Slovenija reports, the president of the National Council stated that his office had sent an invitation for an interview, but it was reportedly ignored. Stevanović claimed that this amounted to a deliberate attempt to discredit him and portray him as a victim. He noted that only two media outlets, POP TV and Planet TV, covered his statement, while major publications such as Delo, Dnevnik, and N1 did not respond. Stevanović’s cabinet confirmed that they had communicated through the official press service of the National Council, suggesting a communication breakdown rather than intentional neglect. Filosopher Boris Vezjak, who has publicly supported Stevanović, described the incident as a calculated effort to undermine RTV Slovenija’s reputation and shift blame onto the media. He accused the broadcaster of failing to address the initial petition controversy, which he viewed as a failure to uphold journalistic responsibility. Vezjak further suggested that Stevanović’s criticism of RTV was part of a larger strategy to protect his image amid growing scrutiny over his political activities, including his recent meeting with Russian parliamentarian Vyacheslav Volodin. Exclusive recordings obtained from Black Cube reveal a private conversation between Stevanović and Volodin, in which they discussed geopolitical strategies and potential alliances. In the exchange, Stevanović hinted at leveraging his position to influence international relations, including possible moves toward NATO withdrawal and strategic cooperation with Russia. Volodin, in turn, praised Stevanović’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes, even joking about the need for a “Janša”, a reference to Prime Minister Janez Janša, who could help bridge political divides. These conversations have fueled speculation about the extent of Stevanović’s diplomatic engagements and the role of external actors in shaping Slovenian politics. As the situation unfolds, the tension between Stevanović and the opposition continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresentation and manipulation. The debate over the referendum highlights deeper divisions within Slovenian society, reflecting broader concerns about the integrity of democratic institutions and the influence of external forces on domestic affairs. With key figures like Brejc and Vezjak weighing in, the controversy shows no signs of abating, leaving the future direction of Slovenian politics uncertain.
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