Milan Balažic ni več priprt. V preiskavi proti Balažicu naj bi bil osumljen tudi član Demokratov. Kaj na to pravi Logar?

In the small town of Moravče, a significant corruption investigation has unfolded, implicating several high-profile individuals, including former mayor Milan Balažic and Pavle Hevka, a prominent member of the Logar's Democrats party. The investigation, initiated by more than 100 investigators, began on May 31, 2026, with over 42 house searches conducted throughout the municipality. These searches targeted Balažic, local officials, business owners, and suppliers working with the municipality. The investigation centers around multiple allegations of corruption, including bribery and abuse of position, which have now led to Balažic being placed under arrest for 30 days. He stepped down as mayor on June 12 due to circumstances related to the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.

The investigation has revealed a complex web of alleged corrupt activities involving the procurement of natural stone for the renovation of the town square. According to the police order, Balažic is accused of facilitating the selection of a specific type of stone called “Lipica Fiorito,” sourced from the company Marmor Sežana. This company is partially owned by Maks Godina, who was previously associated with Hevka. Hevka, who had been employed by the construction firm Godina until February of this year, is now a senior manager at Kommunalna Sežana, where he works under the director Andrej Prunk, who also owns a majority stake in Marmor Sežana.

Hevka’s involvement in the case stems from his role in assisting Balažic with the selection of the stone supplier. The police suspect that Hevka helped Balažic secure benefits through illegal means, specifically regarding the supply of natural stone for the town square renovation. The investigation suggests that the selection process was predetermined, favoring Hevka as the supplier despite the public tender process. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the procurement process and whether it was manipulated to benefit certain parties.

The implications of these findings extend beyond just the immediate suspects. They highlight potential systemic issues within local governance and the infrastructure sector. The project itself, aimed at transforming the central square into a pedestrian-friendly area with new paving, lighting, and seating, was one of the largest undertakings of Balažic’s term. The initial design was approved in July 2025, and the implementation was scheduled for this year. However, the alleged prior selection of the stone supplier raises questions about the fairness of the entire planning and execution process.

The situation has also sparked broader discussions about the credibility of political promises made during the election campaign. Logar's Democrats, known for their strong anti-corruption stance, were vocal about their commitment to zero tolerance for corruption before the elections. Their platform emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in public affairs. Now, with one of their key advisors, Pavle Hevka, implicated in the investigation, the party faces scrutiny over its internal practices and the consistency of its stated values.

Anže Logar, leader of the Logar's Democrats, addressed the situation when questioned about Hevka’s involvement. He noted that Hevka does not currently hold any official position within the party and emphasized that the matter is still in the early stages of the legal process. Logar reiterated that the party follows standard procedures when dealing with such cases, ensuring that all members are treated fairly according to the law. However, the silence from the party regarding the issue has drawn criticism, especially given their previous emphasis on combating corruption.

The investigation into Balažic and Hevka has also brought attention to the broader context of corruption in Slovenia. While there have been numerous scandals involving public officials and infrastructure projects, this particular case involves a direct link between a former mayor and a prominent figure from a major political party. It underscores the challenges faced by local governments in maintaining ethical standards while managing large-scale public projects.

As the investigation continues, the focus will likely shift towards uncovering the full extent of the alleged misconduct and determining the roles played by each individual involved. The outcomes of this case could set important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future, particularly concerning the accountability of public officials and the integrity of political institutions. The upcoming developments will be crucial in shaping public perception and influencing policy reforms aimed at preventing such incidents from occurring again.