Office of the President about why we weren't invited to the briefing

The Slovenian presidential office responded to questions raised by Radio Ognjišče regarding its communication strategy following a traffic accident involving President Nataša Pirc Musar. The inquiry focused on why certain media outlets, including Radio Ognjišče, were not invited to a briefing and whether selective invitations created unequal access to information. The office did not provide specific criteria for selecting which media would receive briefings, stating instead that all media have access to official channels for obtaining relevant information. The office emphasized that briefings are just one of several means of communicating with the public, alongside press releases and updates on the president’s website. It noted that two general statements had been sent to all media via email, one on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and another on Monday, August 3, 2026. These messages included information about the incident and the president's condition. Radio Ognjišče was included in this distribution, and the statement issued on August 3 was also published on the president’s official website. Media representative Alen Salihović expressed disappointment over the lack of invitation to the briefing, noting that while he and his colleagues continue to monitor the situation, they remain frustrated that the president did not engage directly with them. He pointed out that despite the absence of a formal invitation, the public still expects clarity and respectful treatment from the administration, particularly toward journalists who cover such matters. The issue of selective media invitations was further explored, with concerns raised about potential disparities in access to information. The presidential office did not address these concerns directly, instead reiterating that all media can obtain necessary information through established communication channels. It stressed that briefings represent only one method among many used to disseminate information, and that official communications are primarily conducted through public statements and online platforms. Regarding the president’s health status, the office clarified that she had publicly announced her resignation due to the accident, thereby allowing the public to understand the implications of the incident on her well-being. It stated that medical data is part of personal privacy, even for someone holding public office, and that the primary concern for the public interest lies in whether the president’s health affects her ability to perform her duties. If circumstances arose that impacted her capacity to carry out her responsibilities, the office assured that appropriate measures would be taken to inform the public accordingly. The response from the presidential office left some questions unanswered, particularly concerning the selection process for briefings and how it might affect journalistic integrity. While the office maintained that all media have equal access to information, the lack of transparency around the decision-making process has sparked discussions within the media community about the need for clearer guidelines and consistent practices in crisis communication. As the situation continues to unfold, the public will likely remain attentive to how the administration handles future interactions with the media.