In the National Socialist Party, the Socialist Labour Party and Focus, they accuse the unions of jealousy and envy:

A new legislative initiative has sparked controversy in Slovenia, with opposition parties accusing trade unions of obstructionism and attempting to push the country back into a socialist system. The National Council of the Slovenian People's Party (NSi), the Slovenian Liberal Party (SLS), and Focus magazine have criticized the labor movement for resisting reforms aimed at fostering economic growth, entrepreneurship, and higher wages. According to NSi MP Aleksander Gungl, the proposed changes represent the first step in a series of measures designed to reward work, enterprise, and activity rather than punish them. He accused the unions of protecting their privileges instead of workers' rights, blocking solutions beneficial to the public, and opposing lower taxes and higher salaries. Gungl emphasized that he was disheartened by what he described as the hostility of one social group toward another, the lack of tolerance, the defense of the status quo, and the fight to preserve privileges. "This means only one thing, those who oppose these changes want to take us back to another time, probably socialism, where we would all be equally poor without opportunities," he stated during a press conference. NSi MP Iva Dimic added that halting progress threatens the social state itself. She argued that solidarity can only be financed through value creation and that a strong economy underpins all other systems within the country. She warned against following the path of referendum proponents, stating this could undermine the foundations of the system they aim to protect. Dimic highlighted key provisions of the law, including the abolition of contributions for long-term care for part-time workers, agricultural assistants, and retirees, as well as reduced contributions for self-employed individuals and farmers earning below the minimum wage. She also mentioned the reduction of VAT on basic food items from 9.5% to 5%, along with temporary reductions on some energy products. Dimic defended the cap on social contributions set at €7,500 gross income, emphasizing its importance in retaining and attracting skilled professionals. She pointed to positive measures such as reducing property tax from 25% to 15% and offering a five percent rate for young people, which she believes will lead to lower rents and increased housing availability. She also noted the temporary non-application of the hospitality industry law to prevent destabilization of the sector, crucial for tourism. Additionally, the intervention law aims to allow healthcare workers employed in the public health network to work for private providers, potentially improving access to services and reducing costs due to prolonged absences. According to Dimic, the intervention law is just the first step in a series of developmental measures. Within the government’s strategic council for the economy, groundwork is being laid for a tax reform intended to systematically reduce the burden on employees. Meanwhile, the unions have begun collecting signatures for a referendum, starting today with 35 days to gather 40,000 verified signatures. They view the legislation as a dismantling of Slovenia, favoring the wealthiest. Dr. Marko Bitenc, president of the Slovenian Business Club (SBC), emphasized that Slovenia must strive to have as many wealthy citizens as possible while ensuring no one lives in poverty. He argued that the success of entrepreneurs and businesses creates the wealth necessary for education, healthcare, pensions, and support for those in need. Bitenc contended that debt cannot sustain solidarity indefinitely and that a strong economy is essential for maintaining public services. He clarified that when discussing wealthy Slovenians, he did not solely mean millionaires but also entrepreneurs who can invest, highly educated workers, families with security, and young people who don’t need to leave the country for a better life. Bitenc stressed that a prosperous society is not one of a select few but one where created value benefits broader welfare. He rejected the notion of choosing between capital and solidarity, arguing that without capital there are no investments, no development, and thus insufficient funds for solidarity. He warned that if the economy loses competitiveness, public service levels will decline, a risk facing Europe as it has ceded too much industry, knowledge, and production to other parts of the world. Bitenc insisted that wealth should not be viewed negatively, as long as it is legally, responsibly, and ethically created. He argued that the profit of successful companies demonstrates their ability to meet market needs and often serves as a prerequisite for new investments, development, employment, and higher wages. He emphasized that entrepreneurs invest their capital, take risks, and bear responsibility for providing jobs monthly. Bitenc highlighted that young people represent Slovenia’s greatest potential, noting that they include successors who will inherit family businesses and continue previous generations’ work. He expressed concern that without support, many promising Slovenian enterprises might end up owned by banks or relocate abroad. He also addressed young people considering entrepreneurial paths, urging the state to create an environment where knowledge, effort, and courage are rewarded. He called for predictable tax environments, efficient administration, and conditions that ensure knowledge, work, and courage yield results.