Chernatch on public finances, the president's accident and the political fall

On August 27, 2026, political figures Zvonko Černač of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), Borut Sajovic of the Freedom Movement, and Janez Žakelj of the parliamentary group representing the New Slovenia, Social Liberal Party, and Focus, participated in a discussion on public finances, the missteps of the president, and the political autumn. The conversation took place during a broadcast of Radio Ognjišče, with topics ranging from fiscal policy and energy costs to the responsibilities of previous and current governments, the traffic accident involving the president of the republic, and the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. They also addressed preparations for local elections, particularly the competition for leadership of Ljubljana. The panelists highlighted the ongoing debate over public finances, with Žakelj noting that economic growth has been driven by substantial state spending. He emphasized that rapid expenditure without adequate oversight leads to inefficiency, with consequences emerging later. According to him, measures such as austerity, careful investment selection, and cancellation of non-essential projects would be necessary. Sajovic, however, pointed out that Slovenia has spent more than it has generated for 35 years. He argued that discussions often focus too much on spending rather than increasing productivity, earnings, and added value. He believed each government could define its priorities and find balance between revenues and expenditures. Sajovic urged the coalition to bring tax, financial, and economic solutions into parliament instead of focusing solely on political issues. Černač criticized the previous government’s flawed financial assessments, especially regarding wage reforms in the public sector. He stated that initial estimates had been around 700 million euros, but actual costs approached two billion. He also criticized the abolition of the income tax reform introduced by the previous Janša government, which he claimed left employees with more money. “Any minister who opened a budget found bones falling out of it,” he remarked, accusing the previous administration of hiding tens or hundreds of millions in deficits. He stressed the importance of investigating political corruption, improper reimbursement of state investments, and irregularities in healthcare. The discussion turned to tax incentives and developmental capital. Žakelj argued that leftist policies often treat public funds as though they fall from heaven. He advocated better conditions for businesses, doctors, engineers, and other highly skilled workers. He suggested Slovenia needs a development capital fund to retain top talent and prevent their departure abroad. “Some are more successful than others. We create an environment where everyone can express their abilities, and then the whole society will benefit,” he said. Sajovic countered that proposed tax breaks would primarily benefit the wealthy rather than ordinary workers. He expressed frustration, stating that despite having a full pension period and the highest education, he had never earned 7,500 euros. He argued that doctors, teachers, and engineers typically earn less, while the wealthiest individuals could save significantly through these tax concessions. The panel also debated rising fuel prices. Černač accused the opposition of blocking the interventionist development law, preventing a reduction in VAT on fuels and food. His calculations showed that a car's fuel tank could be approximately ten euros cheaper with the lower tax rate. Sajovic responded that higher fuel prices were partly due to the previous government allowing higher margins to traders. He called on the coalition to take direct action to reduce costs for citizens rather than blaming others. Žakelj warned that droughts and other factors have increased pressure on food prices, and blocked development measures could help both the economy and consumers. Finally, the participants discussed the traffic accident involving President Nataša Pirc Musar. Žakelj noted that the incident was poorly communicated, contributing to public confusion. The discussion underscored the broader challenges facing Slovenia’s political landscape, with tensions continuing to shape the upcoming local elections.