For the media, the controversial purchase of the official car of Minister Cigler the King, and the prestigious car park of the Liberty blinking in both eyes

Minister for Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj has found himself at the center of controversy following the purchase of his official car, a Volkswagen Touareg 2.0 TDI. The vehicle, bought for 39,500 euros including VAT, has drawn criticism from media outlet Necenzurirano, which accused the government of using public funds to buy a family car. The dispute highlights growing scrutiny over the use of state resources for personal purposes by high-ranking officials. The controversy began with the publication of an article by Necenzurirano, which alleged that the new car purchased by Cigler Kralj was essentially a family vehicle being paid for by taxpayers. The portal pointed out that under the previous minister, Mateja Čalušić from the party Svoboda, the ministry had acquired more expensive vehicles and even employed two drivers for her use. Despite this, Necenzurirano did not raise similar concerns during Čalušić’s tenure. Now, however, the focus has shifted to Cigler Kralj's choice of a more affordable model, especially since he has four children. Cigler Kralj responded to the allegations on social media platform X, defending his decision. He stated that he had chosen a practical and mid-range vehicle, contrasting it with the luxury choices made by his predecessor. He also criticized Necenzurirano for its perceived political bias, suggesting that the outlet aligns itself with extreme left-wing ideologies. He emphasized that his decision was based on functionality rather than indulgence, and questioned the selective nature of the criticism. According to reports published by the portal 24Ur in September 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food under the government led by Robert Golob had previously acquired a new BMW 530 xd valued at 60,588 euros. Minister Čalušić used this car alongside a Volkswagen Touareg purchased earlier for 43,990 euros. She also had access to two drivers employed by the ministry for her official travel needs. The total cost of these acquisitions exceeded 104,000 euros. At the time, Necenzurirano did not publish any critical articles regarding these purchases. This pattern of selective criticism has raised questions among observers. While the media outlet did not question the acquisition of more expensive cars during the Golob administration, it now focuses on Cigler Kralj's purchase of a relatively cheaper vehicle. This discrepancy suggests a potential double standard in how such issues are addressed within the media landscape. The current situation involves not just the cost of the car but also its intended usage. The Volkswagen Touareg is a seven-seater model, allowing Cigler Kralj to use it both for official duties and private purposes. Additionally, the ministry reportedly hired an external service provider for transportation, adding to the overall expenses. According to estimates, the combined costs could exceed 50,000 euros. As the debate continues, the attention shifts to the broader context of how public funds are allocated for official use by ministers. Critics argue that transparency and accountability should apply consistently across all cases, regardless of the individual making the decisions. Supporters of Cigler Kralj emphasize that his choice reflects a pragmatic approach, prioritizing utility over luxury, while also considering his family responsibilities. The incident underscores the ongoing discussions around the ethical use of public resources and the need for consistent standards in evaluating such expenditures. As the situation unfolds, further developments will depend on the responses from relevant authorities and continued public interest in ensuring responsible governance practices.