They want to create the chaos and turmoil that we see in Europe these days.

Concerns over potential unrest have emerged in Slovenia amid ongoing debates around education reforms. Reports suggest that the Syndicate of Education, Science, Culture and Training of Slovenia (SVIZ), led by Branimir Štrukelj, has called for a meeting of its main committee. According to information received by the editorial office, this meeting could involve school unions interested in initiating protests similar to those observed in France and Italy. Gorazd Kovačič, a university syndicalist, reportedly stated during a session of the State Council of the Republic of Slovenia that “a wave of unrest will rain upon us.” Social media activity indicates a desire among left-wing groups to see similar protests emerge in Slovenian cities. These concerns are heightened by the damage caused by such unrest in European countries, including within the heart of the European Union. Intelligence data suggests that far-left groups have been behind efforts to incite chaos, using education issues as a pretext to generate violence and disorder. The current government recognizes the need for improvements in education and has already announced a school reform at the beginning of its mandate. This decision was influenced by results from international studies such as PISA, which show declining performance levels among Slovenian 15-year-olds. The reform aims to emphasize knowledge, expand vocational training, strengthen practical skills, and create closer ties between schools and employers. It also seeks to remove ideological content from kindergartens and schools, while enhancing the prestige of the teaching profession, respecting teacher autonomy, and restoring teacher authority. However, these measures are not being implemented smoothly. There is a clear understanding that collaboration with the teaching profession is essential for success. If those who claim to prioritize quality education contribute to inciting violence on Slovenian streets, it will become evident how sincere their intentions truly are. Acts of violence such as stones, smoke bombs, Molotov cocktails, and other forms of aggression cannot bring any benefit to society. In the National Assembly, Prime Minister Janez Janša addressed questions regarding the proposed educational reform, advisory referendums, and changes to regulations on green public procurement. Poslanec SD Damijan Bezjak Zrim highlighted staffing challenges in the education sector, noting a shortage of teachers and skilled workers, along with predictions of reduced employment in the public sector. He criticized the planned transition from a nine-year to an eight-year primary school system, arguing that the government is imposing changes from above without consulting educators and school communities. Janša responded by stating that change is necessary because the knowledge acquired by young people in the Slovenian education system does not match the level achieved in comparable countries or globally. He cited declining results in international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS, emphasizing that the existing system is not functioning adequately and that maintaining the current structure is no longer viable. However, he acknowledged concerns raised by the teaching community, noting that the situation should not be generalized and that changes should not be implemented hastily. Saša Božič, president of the Association of School Principals and Deputy Principals of Slovenia, described recent PISA results as alarming and agreed that superficial fixes would not suffice. Nevertheless, he expressed reservations about the rapid shift to an eight-year primary school system, advocating for thorough consideration and time before making such changes. Branimir Štrukelj, secretary-general of SVIZ, previously criticized the coalition's reaction to research findings as impulsive, stressing that interventions in such a complex system must be based on analysis and well-founded decisions. Janša emphasized that the issue lies not with staffing problems but with regulations and norms attached to the education system and teachers. When asked about achieving an ideologically neutral school, given that reform advocates are primarily representatives of ideologies aligned with the conservative government, he viewed this as defending the status quo, which fails to deliver the results needed and deserved by the youth. He stressed that education is crucial for the country’s future, especially considering the rapid technological developments altering perceptions of educational systems. In the coming decade, developed countries are expected to increasingly focus on lifelong learning, as knowledge gained through traditional schooling is evolving.