April 2022

29 April
The Head of the National Assembly delegation to the plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe Branko Grims and member of the delegation Nik Prebil attended the preparatory meetings for the 7th Plenary Session of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

22 April
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič addressed the audience at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Children’s Art Extempore in Kostanjevica. The event was part of the municipal ceremony marking the Day of Uprising against Occupation and the local School Day.

20 April
The Chair of the Commission for Public Office and Elections Ivan Hršak and the member of the Commission Alenka Jeraj received a delegation of the Election Assessment Mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), composed of the Head of Mission Ambassador Eberhard Pohl (Germany), Legal Analyst Renata Tardioli (Italy) and Assistant Anže Krajnc. The Missions’ intent was to monitor the parliamentary elections of 24 April 2022 in line with the recommendations of the OSCE Needs Assessment Mission, aimed to assess the pre-election environment and preparations for the elections.

14 April
The President of the National Assembly addressed the audience at the ceremony on the launch of Ciril Ribičič’s new book on elections and electoral reform entitled Volitve v slepi ulici, 62 vprašanj in odgovorov o volilni reform.

11 April
The National Assembly hosted the 32nd national children’s parliament, traditionally organised by the Friends of Youth Association of Slovenia. This year’s debate focused on children’s professional future. The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly. The plenary debate was joined by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, ministers, deputies of the National Assembly, other government representatives, and representatives of NGOs.

9 April
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a solemn address at the annual assembly of the Union of Veterans of the War for Slovenia.

7 April
The Head of the National Assembly delegation to the Plenary Session of the Conference on the Future of Europe Branko Grims participated by videoconference in the preparatory meetings for the 6th Plenary Session of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

6 April
The National Assembly met at its 99th extraordinary session to discuss and vote on the Draft Act on the Housing Guarantee Scheme for the Young, the Draft Act on the Regulation of the Situation of Students, the Draft Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in Sports Infrastructure in the Republic of Slovenia in 2023–2027, the Draft Act on the Guarantee of the Republic of Slovenia for the Liabilities of DARS, d. d., the Draft Act Regulating the Guarantee of the Republic of Slovenia for Obligations of DARS, d.d., for Loans Raised and Debt Securities Issued for Financing the Construction of Motorway Sections in the Amount of EUR 392.44 Million, the Draft Act amending the Labour Market Regulation Act, the Draft Act on Public Transport Management, the Draft Act amending the Mining Act, and the Draft Roads Act. All acts were adopted by a majority of votes.

 

March 2022

31 March–1 April
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, undertook a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. National Assembly President Igor Zorčič met with the Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates, Saqr Ghobash. They expressed their mutual satisfaction with the improved bilateral cooperation between the two countries and discussed the development potential of further economic cooperation.  During his visit, President Zorčič also attended the EXPO 2020 closing ceremony at the Slovenian Business Centre and gave an address. He also met with Slovenians who live and work in Dubai.

31 March and 6 April
At the National Assembly’s 99th Extraordinary Session, deputies discussed and adopted by a majority of votes the Draft Act Regulating the Status of Students, the Draft Act on the Provision of Financial Resources for Investments in Sports Infrastructure in the Republic of Slovenia from 2023 to 2027, the Draft Act on the Guarantee of the Republic of Slovenia for Obligations of DARS, d. d., arising from loans and debt securities borrowed or issued to finance motorway projects in the amount of up to EUR 392.44 million, as well as the Draft Act on a Housing Guarantee Scheme for Young People.

29 March
The National Assembly held a public presentation of opinions on the Draft Act Amending the Communicable Diseases Act. The aim of the public presentation of opinions was to obtain the opinions and views of experts and the public at large on the draft act in question as a basis for its consideration during a meeting of the relevant working body.

The National Assembly held a meeting of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the United Kingdom and Northern Island, chaired by its Head, Branislav Rajić, and the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Slovenia. The event was organised as a videoconference. The meeting commemorated the 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

28–29 March
The National Assembly and the National Council held the Conference of of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments at Brdo pri Kranju. The concluding event of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this year’s largest international parliamentary event in Slovenia, was attended by 42 heads of delegations, including 39 presidents and vice-presidents of upper and lower chambers form thirty countries. In addition to participants from European Union member states, the event was also attended by representatives from European Union candidate countries from North Macedonia and Turkey, as well as special guest representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Altogether, the delegations included over 300 guests. The conference was also attended by a delegation from the European Parliament, led by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Those present were addressed by the President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič.

In Brdo, on the sidelines of the Conference of of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments, National Assembly President Zorčič received the President of the Congress of Deputies of the Kingdom of Spain, Meritxell Batet Lamańa, the President of the Sobranie of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, the President of the Croatian Sabor, Gordan Jandroković, and the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Robert Fico. He also met with the President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Mustafa Şentop, at the National Assembly in Ljubljana .

25–26 March
The members of the National Assembly Plenary Delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe attended the 5th Plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe. As part of the plenary session, the delegation members first attended meetings held by the individual working groups of which they are members. Mag. Branko Grims remotely attended the meeting of the working group that covers “values and rights, the rule of law, and security”. Mag. Meira Hot remotely attended the meeting of the working group on “a stronger economy, social justice, and jobs”. Meanwhile, Nik Prebil attended the meeting of the “European Union in the World” working group in person.

23 March
By planting perennial flowers on the terrace of the parliamentary building, the National Assembly expressed support for the initiative proposed by the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association and its members and took part in the Day of Planting Honey Plants, which aims to introduce two million additional honey plants to Slovenia by 2030. The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, said he was pleased the National Assembly was be able to do its part for the Slovenian Beekeepers’ project by planting the perennial flowers.

21 March
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol, Deputy Nik Prebil, met with the JPSG delegation from the Swedish Riksdag via videoconference.

17–18 March
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation for Cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Nik Prebil, attended the Meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network via video link.

16 March
As part of “A School Lesson with the President of the Parliament”, an educational project offered by the National Assembly in cooperation with the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth, President Zorčič virtually met with pupils from four primary schools, each from a different part of Slovenia. The pupils attended the “lesson” from the following institutions: the Raka Primary School, the Cvetko Golar Primary School from Škofja Loka, the Vencij Perko Primary School in Domžale, and the Stročja Vas Primary School from Ljutomer.

15 March
The National Assembly had the honour of hosting the Irish Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan. The Minister of State was separately received by the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Ireland, mag. Bojana Muršič, and the President of the Committee on Education, Science, Sport, and Youth, Iva Dimic.

14–23 March
The National Assembly convened the 30th Regular Session, during which deputies discussed and passed the Draft Act Amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act, the Draft Act Amending the Act Granting Special Rights to Victims of the 1991 War for Slovenia, the Draft Act Amending the Marine Fisheries Act, the Draft Act Amending the Agricultural Land Act, the Draft of the Environment Protection Act, the Draft Resolution on the 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia, the Draft Resolution on the National Programme of Higher Education until 2030, the Draft Resolution on the National Programme of Adult Education in the Republic of Slovenia for 2021–2030, as well as the Draft Resolution  " on the National Social Assistance Programme for 2022–2030.

14 March
The President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the French Republic,Matjaž Nemec, received representatives from the Group for Friendship and Cooperation with the French Republic, itself a part of the Globallis Student Society for International Relations

11 March
The National Assembly convened its 98th Extraordinary Session, during which deputies discussed and passed the Draft Act Amending the  Personal Income Tax Act, the Draft Act Amending the Financial Administration Act, and the Draft Act Amending the Fire Service Act.

10–11 March
Before the Conference on the Future of Europe Plenary, the Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe Plenary, mag. Branko Grims, and delegation members mag. Meira Hot and Nik Prebil attended a meeting of the delegations from the national parliaments via videoconference. Videoconference meetings of the various working groups were organised as part of the Conference. They were attended by both the Delegation Head, mag. Branko Grims, and Nik Prebil, a member of the Delegation.

9 March
The National Assembly convened its 97th Extraordinary Session, during which deputies discussed and voted on the Draft Declaration on the Current Situation in Ukraine, adopting it unanimously.

4 March
At the invitation of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, took part in an informal meeting of the speakers of EU parliaments and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk. National Assembly President Igor Zorčič also took this opportunity to address the participants.

3–5 March
The Vice-Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs, Nik Prebil, and Committee Member Zmago Jelinčič Plemeniti, travelled to Paris to attend the Plenary Meeting of the LXVII Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC). Vice-Chair Prebil met with the French and Czech representatives at the Troika Meeting before the start of the Conference.

 

February 2022

28 February 
The National Assembly met at its 96th extraordinary session, at which it discussed and voted on the Draft Act on on Promoting Digital Inclusion and adopted it by a majority of votes.

On Pust Carnival Monday, the Vice-President of the National Assembly, Tina Heferle, welcomed, on behalf of the President of the National Assembly, a traditional group mask of mowers from Loče near Dobova.

27 February–2 March
A delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs composed of the Chair, Monika Gregorčič, and member of the delegation, Nik Prebil, paid an official visit to North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania. The first part of the visit consisted of a meeting between the delegation and the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Talat Xhferi, and the Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee, Antonijo Miloshoski, and committee members. The talks were joined by the Chair of the Parliamentary Group of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia for Cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia, Aleksandar Veljanovski.

During the second part of the official visit that took place in the Republic of Albania, the delegation met with the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, Lindita Nikolla, and the Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee, Mimi Kodheli. The delegation also held talks with the European Integration Committee, chaired by JoridaTabaku.

25 February 
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, delivered a welcoming address at the consultation on Professionalisation of Legal Lobbying, jointly organised by the National Council and the Slovene Association for Legal Lobbying.

The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Gregor Perič, attended the meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs and Security held in the framework of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Winter Meeting.

24–25 February
A delegation of the National Assembly attended the Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy, held in Paris and organised by the Senate of the French Republic. The delegation consisted of the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Monika Gregorčič, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Defence, Andrej Černigoj, member of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Nik Prebil, and member of the Committee on Defence, Gregor Židan.

23 February
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, received the representatives of the Union of the Associations for the Values of the National Liberation Movement of Slovenia.

21–22 February
The National Assembly held its 95th extraordinary session. The deputies discussed and adopted, among other things, the Draft Decision on the Inadmissibility of Calling a Legislative Referendum on the Act ratifying the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) Concerning the Management of the Boxer Programme by OCCAR, the Draft Act on Measures to Mitigate the Effects of the Increase in the Prices of Energy Products in Economy and Agriculture, the Draft Act on Intervention Measures to Support the Labour Market, Draft Act on Emergency Measures to Mitigate the Impact of Rising Energy Prices, Draft Act Amending the Investment Promotion Act, Draft Act Amending the Health Inspection Act, Draft Act Amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act, Draft Act Amending the State Border Control Act, and the Draft Resolution on the 2022-2029 National Programme for Culture.

21 February
The Head of Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Branko Grims, participated in a video meeting with the Permanent Council of NATO.

17 February
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, received the representatives of Sonček - the Cerebral Palsy Association of Slovenia, who presented him with an initiative to amend the National Assembly Elections Act, which they also addressed to all deputy groups.

17–18 Februar
A delegation of the National Assembly consisting of Monika Gregorčič, Andrej Černigoj and Branislav Rajić attended a Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations in New York.

15  February
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, received the representatives of the Slovene Association for Legal Lobbying, who presented an initiative to make the lobbying activity in the National Assembly transparent by establishing lobbyist accreditation and a space in the building dedicated for this purpose. The debate focused on the conduct of lobbying activities in line with the amended Integrity and Prevention of Corruption Act. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of the National Assembly, Uršula Zore Tavčar.

11  February
The National Assembly Delegation for Cooperation with the OECD, headed by Nik Prebil, organised a roundtable discussion at the National Assembly on the Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Society.

9  February
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the Plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe, Branko Grims, and member of the delegation, Nik Prebil, attended a videoconference meeting of the delegations of the national parliaments and the European Parliament. The discussion focused on topical issues, in particular the European democracy.

8 February
On Prešeren Day, the President of the National Assembly attended the traditional ceremony marking the Slovenian cultural holiday by laying a wreath at the monument to Dr. France Prešeren in the central square of Kranj and visiting the Prešeren Fair.

7 February
On the occasion of Slovenian cultural holiday, the President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, attended the state ceremony at Cankarjev dom, at which the Prešeren Awards and the Prešeren Fund Awards were presented.

3 February
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.

1 February
The Head of delegation, Branko Grims, and Deputy Head of delegation, Monika Gregorčič, attended the meeting of the Standing Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly via video link.

 

January 2022

31. 1.–4. 2.
The National Assembly met at its 29th regular session at which it discussed, among other things, the Draft Act on Distributing and Limiting Currency Risk Among Creditors and Borrowers of Loans in Swiss Francs, the Draft Act Amending the Deputies Act and the Draft Act Amending the Public Guarantee, Maintenance and Disability Fund of the Republic of Slovenia Act and adopted them by a majority of votes cast. The National Assembly also discussed the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act, which was not adopted due to insufficient votes. The deputies once again discussed the Act Amending the Act Regulating Special Rights of Members of the Italian and Hungarian Ethnic Communities in the Field of Education and adopted it by a majority of votes. The National Assembly also decided on the Proposal for the appointment of Member of the Council of the Bank of Slovenia – Vice Governor Marjan Divjak. The candidate was not appointed owing to insufficient votes.

27 January
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a message on the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Chair of the Committee on Defence Samo Bevk received the students of the Command and Staff School and of the Senior Staff Training Course for Officers of the Slovenian Armed Forces.

26 January
The National Assembly held its 94th extraordinary session at which it discussed, among other things, the Draft Act Amending the Employment Relationships Act, the Draft Act Amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act and the Draft Act on Interim Measures to Tackle Energy Poverty. All three acts were adopted by a majority of votes cast. The deputies also voted on the proposal to hold a consultative referendum on the adoption of the Draft Act ratifying the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on the management of the Boxer programme by OCCAR (MSOSSO) but did not adopt it due to lack of support.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič participated as guest at a round table web conference titled "Active Citizenship at the European, National and Local Levels" organised by the Second Gymnasium Maribor in cooperation with the Nova Gorica Grammar School.

24–28 January
The Head of the National Assembly delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Suzana Lep Šimenko, member Violeta Tomić and alternate member Tadeja Šuštar Zalar attended a videoconference meeting held in Strasbourg. The meeting’s main topics included urgent debate on tackling Covid-19 through public health measures, combating rising hate against LGBTI people in Europe and on the alleged violations of their rights in the Southern Caucasus, on football governance - with an intervention by FIFA President Giovanni Infantino, and a debate on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny.

24 January
A meeting of the Secretaries-General of the European Union Parliaments was held at the National Assembly via videoconference, which was chaired by the Secretary General of the National Assembly, Uršula Zore Tavčar. The meeting discussed preparations for the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments, which will be held on 28 and 29 March 2022 at Brdo pri Kranju, as well as topical issues on the operation of parliaments.

21. 1.–4. 2.
The National Assembly has put on display a photo exhibition by Damjan Prelovšek marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of architect Jože Plečnik.

21–22 January
The Head of the National Assembly delegation Branko Grims and members of the delegation Meira Hot (remotely) and Nik Prebil attended the third Plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe, held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and remotely via a videoconference.

17 January
The National Assembly’s delegation of the Committee on Foreign Policy and the Committee on Defence paid an official visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The purpose of the visit was to discuss topical global issues and exchange views on the Alliance's military transformation and the preparation of a new Strategic Concept.

13–14 January
The Deputy Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Nik Prebil attended a videoconference COSAC Chairpersons’ meeting held in Paris. Prior to this meeting, he also attended the meeting of the Presidential Troika together with the French and Czech representatives.

13 January
The National Assembly held its 93rd extraordinary session at which the deputies discussed and decided on the Draft Act Amending the Public Procurement Act, the Draft Act Amending the Act Regulating Special Rights of Members of the Italian and Hungarian Ethnic Communities in the Field of Education, and the Draft Act Amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act. All acts were adopted by a majority of votes.

11 January
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation for Cooperation with the OECD Nik Prebil received Marko Grobelnik, one of the OECD's main researchers in the field of Artificial Intelligence and a representative of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the Jožef Štefan Institute.

9 January
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the 65th ceremony “Along the Partisan Trails of Jelovica" celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Dražgoše at the Monument to Fallen Fighters and Victims of Dražgoše.

6 January
The Parliamentary Dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union concluded on 1 January 2022. The National Assembly President Igor Zorčič and the National Council President Alojz Kovšca symbolically handed over the Presidency to the Vice-President of the National Assembly of the French Republic, Laëtitia Saint-Paul, and to the President of the Senate of the French Republic, Gérard Larcher, via videoconference.

A s part of the Presidency, the National Assembly held 22 events as videoconferences and 8 in-person meetings and visits, including the Western Balkans Speakers’ Meeting. It organised 10 television interviews with chairpersons. The videoconferences were attended by 1981 participants. Parliamentarians spent 3215 minutes talking to fellow parliamentarians during videoconferences.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received carol singers from the parish of Zreče and the representatives of the Missionary Centre of Slovenia who traditionally visited the National Assembly.
 

December 2021

29 December
The National Assembly met at its 92nd extraordinary session to discuss the Draft Decision on the Inadmissibility of Calling a Legislative Referendum on the Act on Additional Measures to Stop Spreading and Mitigate, Control, Remedy and Eliminate the Consequences of COVID-19; the Decision was adopted by a majority of votes.

27 December
At its 91st extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted the Act on Additional Measures to Stop Spreading and Mitigate, Control, Remedy and Eliminate the Consequences of COVID-19, the Act Amending the Value Added Tax Act, and the Act on Debureaucratisation.

After leaving the SMC Deputy Group, Mateja Udovč became an unaffiliated deputy.

23 December
A solemn session was held on the occasion of Independence and Unity Day. The keynote speaker session was the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič. The cultural programme included performances by the Adora String Quartet and ballet dancers from the Ljubljana Conservatory of Music and Ballet, and a video produced by the National Assembly in collaboration with primary school students on the 30th anniversary of the Slovenian Constitution.

22 December
At its 90th extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted the Act Amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act and the Act Amending the Financing of Municipalities Act.

21 December

The National Assembly and the association of former deputies Club 90 held a ceremonial session to mark the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Slovenia.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Slovenian Constitution, the National Assembly – in cooperation with Dr. Miro Cerar and the Institute of Contemporary History – produced a digitised collection of materials entitled “The origins of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia 1990-1991”, which was accompanied by the exhibition “Statehood Based on the Constitution”.

17 December
The President of the National Assembly received the representatives of the Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association bringing the Light of Peace from Bethlehem.

15 December
At its 89th extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed the Draft  Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Mitigate and Remedy the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and the Draft Act on Intervention Measures to Assist the Economy and Tourism Sector in Mitigating the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic.

A ceremony was held at the National Assembly to mark the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia, adopted and promulgated on 23 December 1991 at a session of the then Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. At the invitation of the the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the Chair of the Constitutional Commission Dejan Židan, the ceremony was attended by members of the then Commission for Constitutional Affairs and of the Expert Group for Drafting the New Slovenian Constitution, who between 19 June 1990 and 23 December 1991 watched over the development of the highest legal act of the new state.

13–20 December
At its 28th regular session, the National Assembly adopted the Act Amending the Act Regulating Certain Issues regarding the Final Award of the Arbitral Tribunal on the Basis of the Arbitration Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Act on the Payment of Unpaid Disability Benefits, the Act Amending the Investment Promotion Act, and the Act Amending the Public Sector Salary System Act. The deputies also decided on the Proposal for Calling a Consultative Referendum on the Adoption of the Motion for a Resolution on the General Long-Term Programme for the Development and Equipment of the Slovenian Armed Forces by 2035 and rejected it by a majority of votes. The National Assembly discussed the interpellation on the work and responsibilities of the Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning Andrej Vizjak, rejecting it with 43 votes in favour and 29 votes against. The interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs was also rejected with 44 votes in favour and 37 against.

10 December
The President of the National Assembly received a delegation of the All-Party Parliamentary British-Slovenia Group, paying a return visit to Slovenia upon invitation of the Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Branislav Rajić.

As part of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, a high-level Interparliamentary Conference on Migration and Asylum in Europe was held on Human Rights Day in cooperation with the European Parliament. The video conference was co-chaired by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the Vice-President of the European Parliament Fabio Massimo Castaldo.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the President of the National Assembly received the representatives of the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia.

8–9 December
The National Assembly met at its 88th extraordinary session to decide on the Draft Recommendation on Preventing the Increase of Care Home Fees in Retirement Homes, the Draft Act Amending the Act Amending the Identity Card Act, the Draft Act Amending the Medical Service Act, the Draft Long-Term Care Act, the Draft Spatial Planning Act, and the Draft Construction Act. All the proposed acts were adopted by a majority vote.

8 December
The President of the National Assembly hosted the traditional meeting of former Presidents of the National Assembly.

7 December
On the sidelines of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the National Assembly hosted the Conference on Digital Transformation in Education. The participants (MPs from EU Member States and associated countries) addressed the challenges of digital transition in education.

3 December
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the 7th Summit of Speakers of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean held at the European Parliament in Brussels. The debate focused on fighting climate change in the Mediterranean region.

2 December
To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the National Assembly opened a photographic exhibition set up by the Slovenian Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Sožitje entitled “Moments Captured in the Sights and Beauties of Homeland”. With the exhibition of photographic works contributed by members of local societies gathered in the Sožitje Association, the National Assembly wishes to contribute to the understanding of disability issues and highlight the importance of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of social life.

1 December
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, together with the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Janez Janša, hosted the traditional reception for representatives of disability organisations on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

28 November–1 December
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Branko Grims, member Monika Gregorčič and alternate member Andrej Černigoj attended the 21st Annual Transatlantic Forum in Washington D.C.

 

November 2021

29 November–1 December
The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Aleksa Bečić, paid an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič. The delegation also included the Vice-President of the Parliament of Montenegro Branka Bošnjak and the Member of the Parliament of Montenegro Boris Bogdanović.

30 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a video address at the virtual celebration of "32 Years of the Operation Sever" marking the day of remembrance of the Sever Association of Police Veteran Societies.

29–30 November
As part of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the National Assembly and the National Council hosted the Plenary Meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for European Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union - COSAC. Representatives of the parliaments of the European Union discussed the following four topical issues with distinguished guests; the achievements of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, working towards a European perspective for the Western Balkans (WB), the future role of young people in EU decision-making processes and beyond, and the Conference on the Future of Europe.

26 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representatives of the Education, Science and Culture Trade Union of Slovenia.

24 November
The National Assembly held its 87th extraordinary session at which deputies discussed and adopted the Act Amending the State Administration Act, the Act Amending the Act on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and the Act Amending the Healthcare Intervention Measures Act. They also discussed the Act Amending the Long-Term Care Act which will be decided by the deputies at their next session.

23 November 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a special message on the occasion of the Rudolf Maister Day, a national holiday.

17 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the ceremony marking the release of the anniversary edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia.

15–25 November
The National Assembly held its 27th regular session at which deputies discussed and adopted the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia Budget for 2022 and 2023 Act, the Act on Redress for Deleting Legal Entities from the Court Register between 23 July 1999 and 15 January 2008 and the Act Amending the Pharmacy Practice Act. The National Assembly discussed the interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of Education, Science and Sport Simona Kustec and rejected it with 42 votes in favour and 39 against. The deputies also discussed the interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of Justice Marjan Dikaučič which was also rejected with 42 votes in favour and 28 against. Furthermore, they adopted the Annual Financial Statement of the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2020 and the Prohibition of the Placement on the Market of Certain Single-Use Plastic Products on the Market in the Republic of Slovenia Act and the Act Amending the Excise Duty Act.

15 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association of Slovenia Mladen Veršič and Valerija Škof on the occasion of the Slovenian Sign Language Day.

10 November
The National Assembly met at its 86th extraordinary session, at which it discussed and passed by a majority of votes the Act Amending the Establishment of Municipalities and Municipal Boundaries Act. The deputies also decided on the Proposal for the election of a judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia. Rok Svetlič was elected judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia by a majority of all deputies. 

The 86th extraordinary session was followed by a resumed 85th extraordinary session, which was adjourned on 26 October 2021 due to lack of quorum of the National Assembly when discussing the Draft Recommendation regarding the alarming situation in the country and the need for early elections. 

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received a member of the European Court of Auditors, Sam Jereb, who presented him with the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors for the previous year. 

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič virtually met with primary school pupils from primary schools Šempeter in Savinjska dolina, Tone Čufar in Maribor, Petrovče, Ribnica and Jurij Dalmatin Krško as part of the virtual project entitled "School Lessons with the President of the Parliament" implemented by the National Assembly in cooperation with the Association of Friends of the Youth of Slovenia.

9 November
A meeting of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Armenia was held in the National Assembly to mark the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Armenia.

8–9 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended a memorial ceremony at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, where he addressed the participants of a symposium on anti-Semitism and the survivors and relatives of the victims of Hitler's largest death factory in which more than a million people were brutally murdered. The ceremony was also attended by the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar.

8 November
A member of the Committee on the Interior, Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Andrej Černigoj, attended a virtual interparliamentary meeting of the European Parliament's Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age entitled "Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Decade".

7 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended a solemn commemoration service on the anniversary of the tragic accident of the Commander of the High Command of the National Liberation Army and Partisan Detachments of Slovenia, Franc Rozman - Stane.

2 November
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Judicial Council of the Republic of Slovenia Vladimir Horvat, who presented and delivered the Annual Report of the Judicial Council of the Republic of Slovenia.
 

 

October 2021

22 October–1 November
On the Day of Remembrance of the Dead, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič paid tribute to the memory of the deceased at several locations in Ljubljana. 

Other representatives of the National Assembly also attended memorial ceremonies on this occasion in Slovenia and abroad.

31 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič marked the Reformation Day by delivering a special message.

27 October
In the light of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the strengthening of cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of the Member States, a Meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters took place in a video format. The discussion focused on the implementation of the OECD agreement on tax base erosion and profit shifting at the level of the European Union, including the potential introduction of an EU digital levy. The meeting was co-chaired by the Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance, Robert Polnar, and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Tax Matters, Paul Tang.

26 October
The National Assembly met at its 85th extraordinary session to discuss the proposal for a recommendation regarding the alarming situation in the country and the need for early elections. Due to a lack of quorum, the session was adjourned and the vote will be held at one of the assembly’s next sessions. 

IPU member Vojko Starović attended a video conference entitled “Universal health coverage and equity: Always hand in hand?”.

26 October–1 November 
Representatives of the National Assembly attended memorial ceremonies in Slovenia and abroad on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance of the Dead.

18–26 October
The National Assembly held its 26th regular session, at which the deputies adopted, among other things, the Act Amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act, the Act Amending the Pharmacy Practice Act and the Act Amending the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia Budget for 2021 and 2022 Act. At the session, the deputies also approved the 26th Annual Report of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia for 2020, including the Report of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia on the implementation of the tasks of the National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment for the year 2020 with a recommendation. At its session, the National Assembly also discussed the proposal of the President of the Republic of Slovenia for the election of a judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, Rok Svetlič. Due to a lack of quorum, the deputies postponed the decision-making to one of its next sessions on the basis of Article 74 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly. The deputies also voted on the proposal for the appointment of Deputy Ombudsman Miha Horvat, which they rejected with 17 votes in favour and 26 against.

25–26 October
A video conference meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol (JPSG) was held in the European Parliament in Brussels as part of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting was co-chaired by the chair of the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, the Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the JPSG, Nik Prebil, and the Head of the National Council Delegation to the JPSG, Bojana Potočan. 

25 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the state ceremony marking the Sovereignty Day and the 30th anniversary of the departure of the last YPA soldier from Slovenia.

22 October
As a keynote speaker, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended a ceremony in the Posavje region marking the Sovereignty Day.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, addressed the participants of a video conference “Fighting liver cancer in Europe – the empowerment of prevention and early detection”.

21–22 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar attended the European Conference of Presidents of the Parliaments from Council of Europe member states in Athens. On the sidelines of the conference, the President held several bilateral meetings, a meeting with the President of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan, the Vice President of the French Senate Pascale Gruny and the Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy Maximos Charakopoulos.

20 October 
A member of the IPU National Group in the National Assembly Andrej Černigoj took part in an online IPU parliamentary meeting entitled "Rising military budgets and the UN mechanism to curb them: mission impossible?".

19 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič met with the Mayor of the Municipality of Kranj Matjaž Rakovec and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Kranj Janez Černe regarding the proposal to call a consultative referendum on the establishment of a new municipality of Golnik by excluding part of the Municipality of Kranj.

15 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia David Zalkaliani. The meeting was also attended by the Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Georgia Predrag Baković.

A delegation of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs visited the National Assembly. The delegation was received by a joint delegation of the Committee on Justice led by its Chair Blaž Pavlin, the Committee on EU Affairs led by its Chair Marko Pogačnik, the Committee on Culture led by its Chair Violeta Tomić and the Committee on Petitions, Human Rights and Equal Opportunities led by its Chair Nataša Sukič. The delegation was also received by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič. 

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič visited the Europa Donna stand – Raising Awareness of Breast Cancer in Slovenia.

14–15 October
The head of the National Assembly’s delegation to the CEI Parliamentary Dimension Franc Trček and members of the delegation, Tomaž Lisec (virtually) and Vojko Starović attended the CEI Parliamentary Assembly meeting, which took place in Herceg Novi, Montenegro.

14 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová who paid an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia. 

The Chair of the Committee on Justice Blaž Pavlin received a delegation of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the 47th Symposium Days of Slovenian Lawyers, holding an introductory speech in which he called for, inter alia, the protection of the rule of law.

13 October
A round table discussion on the Future of Europe and the Role of the European Union in a Multipolar International Environment, chaired and moderated by the Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee Monika Gregorčič, was organised by the National Assembly as part of the national debate on the future of Europe.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič met with 7th grade primary school pupils from primary schools of the Municipality of Sevnica, as part of the project entitled "Lessons with the President of the Parliament", which is being implemented by the National Assembly in cooperation with the Association of Friends of the Youth of Slovenia.

12 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representatives of ŠENT - the Slovenian Association for Mental Health.

8–11 October
The Head of the National Assembly delegation to the NATO PA Branko Grims, member Monika Gregorčič and alternate member Andrej Černigoj attended the annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Lisbon.

8 October 
The deputies met at the 84th extraordinary session, at which a proposal for a recommendation on the deliberate financial draining of STA – the backbone of Slovenian journalism, by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia was presented.

7 October
The National Assembly met at its 83rd extraordinary session to discuss the presentation of the 2022-2023 Budget Memorandum, the Draft Amendments to the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2022 and the Draft Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2023.

The Vice President of the National Assembly Tina Heferle attended the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Bank of Slovenia.

6 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representative of employees of Hit d.d. Nova Gorica. He also met, at a separate meeting, with the representative of the Ski Association of Slovenia. The main subject of both talks was the Act Amending the Gaming Act, which was submitted to the National Assembly by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

5 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the ceremony at which the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel was awarded the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor.

4 October
On the occasion of the Children's Week, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič visited the Brežice Grammar School, informing the pupils of the operation of the National Assembly as the highest representative and legislative institution in the Republic of Slovenia.

2 October
30 years have passed since the adoption of positions and decisions by the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia upon the expiry of the Brioni moratorium for further implementation of independence acts.

1 October
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the international conference "Smart villages for a green, digital and resilient Europe", organised as part of the programme of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, at which he delivered an opening statement.

 

September 2021

30 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the Conference of St. Mohor's Society in Klagenfurt entitled Development of the Rights of National Communities at which he delivered an introductory speech and engaged in a discussion with young people.

29 September
The National Assembly held its 82nd extraordinary session at which deputies decided on the Draft Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in Slovenian Health Care between 2021 and 2031 and on the Act Amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act. Both acts were adopted by a majority of votes.

The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič received the Secretary- General of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti.

28 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the European Parliament Former Members Association Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering and his delegation.
The delegation also met in separate meetings with members of the Committee on EU Affairs and the Committee on Foreign Policy.

28 September
The Interparliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the European Union was held in the National Assembly as part of the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The conference was attended by representatives of national parliaments and the European Parliament, who, together with the representatives of the European Commission and the Eurogroup, discussed current financial and economic issues. The meeting was chaired by Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance of the Robert Polnar and the Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on the Economy Mateja Udovč. The participants were greeted by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and addressed by the President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe.

28 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Republic of Latvia Egils Levits who paid an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia.

27–30 September
The Head of the National Assembly’s Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Suzana Lep Šimenko, its members Meira Hot and Violeta Tomić and alternate member Tadeja Šuštar attended the PACE autumn session held in a video format. The session’s main topic was the right to a healthy environment.

27 September
The Chair of the Sub-committee on Monitoring Cancer in the Republic of Slovenia Iva Dimic attended a video meeting of the European Parliament's Special Committee on Beating Cancer entitled "Turning the tide on cancer: the view of national parliaments on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan".

26–27 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič hosted the Western Balkans Speakers’ Meeting. During the introductory part of the meeting, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič emphasized that the meeting with Western Balkan Speakers shows that both the European Union and Western Balkan partners are prepared to give new impetus to enlargement, also by strengthening interparliamentary cooperation.

25 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič addressed the participants of the solemn academy marking the International Day of the Deaf and the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Drava Banovina, organized by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of Ljubljana and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association of Slovenia.

23 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the state ceremony marking the Slovenian Sports Day.

20 – 24 September
The National Assembly held its 25th regular session. The deputies discussed, among other things, the Act Amending the Protection of Public Order Act, which they rejected with 43 votes in favour and 44 against. Deputies also voted on the Act Amending the Audiovisual Media Services Act, which was also not adopted as it received 44 votes in favour and 44 against. Moreover, they voted on the Act Amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act and the Act Amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act and adopted it by a majority vote. They also decided on the Proposal on the Appointment of the Member of Supervisory Board of the Slovenian Sovereign Holding and confirmed a five-year term of Leon Cizelj with 46 votes in favour and 36 against.

21 September
Members of the Committee on EU Affairs led by Marko Pogačnik and members of the Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning led by Bojan Podkrajšek, received the European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

In September, 25 years have passed since the publication of the first issue of the internal newspaper Parlamentarec published by the National Assembly.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič participated as a guest in the round table Golden September, organised by Bežigrad Grammar School in cooperation with Gold Ribbon Slovenia and the Association of the Heroes of the 3rd Floor.

14September
The National Assembly met at its 81st extraordinary session, at which it discussed and decided on the Draft Act Amending the Aliens Act and the Draft Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in Slovenian Health Care between 2021 and 2031. Both draft acts were adopted by a majority vote.

The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol (JPSG) Nik Prebil and the Head of the National Council Delegation to the JPSG Bojana Potočan met with the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Juan Fernando López Aguilar.

11 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended a celebratory event marking the Day of Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland. The President of the National Assembly also prepared a special message to the citizens marking this national holiday.

10 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič met with the representatives of the Association of the Heroes of the 3rd Floor. These are children and adolescents who are being treated at the Unit of Oncology and Haematology of the Ljubljana Paediatric Clinic.

9 September
The National Assembly hosted the Interparliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy in an online format, which was attended by delegations from EU national parliaments, candidate countries and non-EU NATO members, as well as members of the European Parliament and representatives from the European External Action Service. During the introductory part of the conference, the participants were addressed by the President of the Republic Borut Pahor. An address was also delivered by the invited speaker, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. In addition to the chairs of the conference, the Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič, the Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Defence Samo Bevk, the Chair of the National Council Commission for International Relations and European Affairs Bojan Kekec and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister, the participants of the conference were also addressed by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca.

7–8 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Vienna. The conference with its overarching theme "Parliamentary Leadership for a More Effective Multilateralism that Brings Peace and Sustainable Development to the People and the Planet" was organised by the IPU and the Parliament of the Austrian Parliament, in cooperation with the United Nations.

3 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishanka. The interlocutors discussed the possibilities of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various areas, particularly in logistics, education and technology. They also focused on international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

1 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the 16th Bled Strategic Forum. On the sidelines of the event, he met with the President of the European Parliament David Mario Sassoli.

 

August 2021

26–27 August
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič paid a two-day official visit to Serbia at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić. President Zorčič and his delegation (comprising the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Serbia and Deputy Chair of the Committee on the Interior, Public Administration and Local Self-Government Predrag Baković, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Defence Andrej Černigoj, and Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar) met with the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Slovenia Milija Miletić and representatives of the Slovenian economy in Serbia. The Slovenian delegation was received by the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković, and the Mayor of Belgrade Zoran Radojičić. At the end of the official visit, President Zorčič and his delegation also met with representatives of the Slovenian community in Serbia.

25 August
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Branko Grims, the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič, and the Chair of the Committee on Defence Samo Bevk received the reprsentatives of the United States Senate: Senator Richard Shelby, Senator Mike Crapo, Senator John Cornyn, Senator Deb Fischer, Senator John Kennedy, and Senator Roger Marshall

25 August
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Malta Evarist Bartol. The visit of the Maltese Foreign Minister was an opportunity to exchange views in the light of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council and to strengthen cooperation between Slovenia and Malta.

16 August
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič took part in the regional celebration of the Day of the Unification of Prekmurje Slovenes with the Mother Nation. On such occasion, President Zorčič delivered a message to the citizens.

 

July 2021

31 July
The Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Russian Federation Matjaž Han, Group members Lidija Divjak Mirnik, Andrej Černigoj and Andrej Rajh, and the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič attended a memorial ceremony at the Russian Chapel below the Vršič pass.

28 July
The joint delegation of the Committee on EU Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Policy and the Committee on Defence, led by Monika Gregorčič, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy, received the Vice-President of the French National Assembly Laëtitia Saint-Paul and the Chair of the European Affairs Committee Sabine Thillaye. The Slovenian delegation also included the deputies Nik Prebil, Lidija Divjak Mirnik, Andrej Černigoj, and Zmago Jelinčič Plemeniti.

The Chair of the Committee Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič received the members of the German Bundestag Harald Weyel, Norbert Kleinwächter and Siegbert Droese.

19 July
The National Assembly hosted the COSAC Chairpersons’ Meeting. Taking place as a videoconference, the meeting was the first in a series of events organised under the parliamentary dimension of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council. The participants exchanged views on the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency and on cyber security in the EU. A welcome address was delivered by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, who emphasised the importance of national parliaments as the central representative institutions closest to the citizens, and their interrelatedness and connection with European institutions. The meeting was chaired by the Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik and the Chair of the National Council’s Commission for International Relations and European Affairs Bojan Kekec.

16 July
The meeting of the COSAC Troika (chairpersons of European Affairs Committees of the Portuguese, Slovenian and French parliaments) with the European Parliament was organised by the National Assembly in the form of a videoconference.

14 July
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the Chair of the Committee on Health Anja Bah Žibert received the WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge.

13 July
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič met with representatives of trade unions – members of the Economic and Social Council.

7 July 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the ceremony on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Brioni Declaration, hosted by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor in the park of Vila Podrožnik.

5–15 July
The National Assembly held its 24th regular session with 50 items on the agenda. The session began with parliamentary questions and motions. The National Assembly approved the Draft Act on Emergency Measures in Healthcare with 47 votes in favour and 25 against, and the Draft Act Amending the Communicable Diseases Act with 44 votes in favour and 42 against, in relation to which the National Council passed a suspensive veto. In the second voting, the National Assembly did not approve again the said Act as 78 deputies voted against and only 1 in favour of such. Coalition deputies also voted against, as they assessed that some criticisms and concerns about the amendment should be reconsidered and a new text drafted. The National Assembly also decided to postpone the Draft Act on the National Demographic Fund to one of its next sessions. The deputies then voted on the Draft Act on Emergency Measures to Assist the Economy and Tourism in Mitigating the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic, approving it with 47 votes in favour and 8 against. The National Assembly unanimously adopted the Draft Act on Measures to Eliminate the Consequences of Frost in Agricultural Production between 5 and 9 April 2021. With 63 votes in favour and 2 against, the deputies approved the Draft Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in Slovenian Healthcare between 2021 and 2031. The National Assembly also approved the Draft Recommendation regarding the Audit Report of the Court of Audit on exercising the supervisory function of the Bank of Slovenia and with 45 votes in favour and 44 against confirmed the proposal for the appointment of Marko Boris Andrijanič as Minister without portfolio responsible for digital transformation. With 74 votes in favour and 15 against, the National Assembly elected Damjan Kukovec as a candidate for judge at the General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg. Irena Vodopivec Žan was appointed member of the Governing Board of the Bank of Slovenia and Vice Governor with 67 in favour and 22 against. The National Assembly also voted on the proposal of a candidate for judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia. The candidate Janez Kranjc did not receive the majority of votes and was not elected judge of the Constitutional Court. The deputies approved the proposal for the appointment of Miha Lobnik as Advocate of the Principle of Equality with 53 votes in favour and 23 against. The National Assembly also considered the proposal for the appointment of Stanka Živič and Aleksander Karakaš as supreme judges of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Slovenia. Neither of the candidates received the necessary majority of the votes. 

5 July
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the European Court of Auditors Klaus-Heiner Lehne with a delegation that also included Members of the Court Samo Jereb and Rimantas Šadžius. The meeting was attended by the Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogacnik, the Chair of the Commission for Public Finance Control Igor Peček, and Jože Lenart, MP. The visit of representatives of the European Court of Auditors to a Member State is a well-established tradition when a country takes over the Presidency of the EU Council and is intended to strengthen the relations between the Court and the Member States.

The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the JPSG on Europol Nik Prebil and member of the delegation Zmago Jelinčič Plemeniti attended a working visit at the Europol headquarters in The Hague.

1 July
Just one week after the 30th anniversary of independence, Slovenia took over its second presidency of the EU Council. On such occasion, President Igor Zorčič and a delegation of the National Assembly met with the President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners at Brdo pri Kranju. On the Slovenian side, the meeting was attended by deputy group leaders or representatives Danijel Krivec, Nik Prebil, Matjaž Nemec, Matej T. Vatovec, Jožef Horvat, Gregor Perič, Maša Kociper, Ivan Hršak and Janja Sluga, as well as the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič and the Chair of the Committee on Defence Samo Bevk.

 

June 2021

30 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina who presented him with the annual report on the work of the Human Rights Ombudsman.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič symbolically took over the parliamentary dimension of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from its predecessor Portugal together with the President of the National Assembly Alojz Kovšca. 

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič hosted  a meeting of former Presidents of the National Assembly at Vila Podrožnik on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the independent and sovereign Republic of Slovenia and the start of the second presidency of the Council of the European Union.

28 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the 2nd Western Balkans Speakers' Summit at the European Parliament in Brussels. The summit chaired by European Parliament President David Maria Sassoli was attended by the Speakers of Parliaments of six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia and Serbia, and the Vice-President of the Portuguese Parliament. President Zorčič also attended a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and met with the European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. Moreover, he held bilateral talks with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia Talat Xhaferi and the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić.

25 June
A solemn session on the occasion of Statehood Day was held in the National Assembly marking the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Slovenia. The keynote speaker was the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič.

24 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic Augusto Santos Silva.

22 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the National Council of the Republic of Austria Wolfgang Sobotka and his delegation who was officially visiting the Republic of Slovenia at the invitation of President Zorčič. The talks were also joined by the Head of the National Assembly's Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Austria Jožef Horvat and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar.

The Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola visited the National Assembly the National Assembly in the light of the forthcoming Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Vice-President Metsola was first received by the Chair of the National Assembly Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik and the Chair of the National Council Commission for International Relations and European Affairs Bojan Kekec. The Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola was also received by the President of the National Assembly Zorčič.

A Solemn Academy of Club 90 was held at the National Assembly on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence. The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, Ernest Petrič and the President of the Club 90 Marjan Podobnik.  

21 June
A round table entitled the Future of EU governance organised by the Committee on EU Affairs was held at the National Assembly. The round table was held as part of the European-wide project – the Conference on the Future of Europe. The roundtable was opened with a welcoming address by the Head of the European Commission Representation in the Republic of Slovenia Jerneja Jug Jerše. The meeting was moderated by the Chair of the Committee on EU Union Affairs Marko Pogačnik, and the discussion was joined by the deputies Andrej Černigoj (NSi), Nik Prebil (LMŠ) and Branko Grims (SDS) as well as by the professional public and other relevant stakeholders.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representatives of organisations of the Slovene national community in Austria. On behalf of the national community, the talks were attended by Valentin Inzko, the President of the National Council of Carinthian Slovenes, Bernard Sadovnik on behalf of the Community of Carinthian Slovenes, Gabriel Hribar, Mayor of Globasnica and President of the Unity List of Carinthian Slovenes, and Manuel Jug, the President of the Union of Slovene Organizations in Carinthia. In addition to the President of the National Assembly, the talks were also joined by the Head of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Friendship Group with Austria Jožef Horvat and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar.

For the second time already, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič met with primary school pupils, this time from primary schools of Krško and Kostanjevica, as part of the project entitled Lessons with the President of the Parliament.

19 June
For the 10th time, the National Assembly joined the Summer Museum Nights together with the National Council, putting on display exhibitions devoted to the 30th anniversary of the independence and unity of the Republic of Slovenia. Visitors were welcomed by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar.

17–18 June
The President of the National Assembly, Igor Zorčič, and delegation paid an official visit to Montenegro at the invitation of the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Aleksa Bečić. Presidents Zorčič and Bečić expressed their desire to deepen relations at both the political and economic levels. President Zorčič emphasised the acceleration of the EU integration process of this area. He considered the Slovenian presidency of the EU as an opportunity for a renewed impetus to the integration process, since the EU-Western Balkans Summit is also planned to take place during the Slovenian presidency. The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič also met with the Prime Minister of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapić, who underlined Montenegro's commitment to EU integration and expressed confidence that Slovenia will make the most of its presidency of the EU Council. During his visit, President Igor Zorčič laid a wreath at the statue of France Prešeren together with the Mayor of Podgorica Ivan Vuković. According to President Zorčič this was a sign of friendship between two cities – Podgorica and Ljubljana which also hosts the statue of the poet Petar Petrović Njegoš – and two nations and a proof that culture and art hold the power of association and integration. During the official visit, the President of the National Assembly and the delegation consisting of the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Montenegro Tomaž Lisec, the Deputy Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs and member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Montenegro Nik Prebil, and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar met with the members of the recently established parliamentary friendship group with Slovenia. They also met, in a separate meeting, with members of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants and the Committee on European Integration. Moreover, President Zorčič met with the Minister of Economic Development of Montenegro Jakov Milatović and members of the Slovenian Business Club. He also attended a reception together with the delegation at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Montenegro, where he met with the representatives of the Slovenian community and business executives.

16 June
The Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Edvard Paulič and a Committee member Tomaž Lisec attended the virtual Interparliamentary Conference on Rural Development, Agriculture and Territorial Cohesion.

Andrej Černigoj, a member of the IPU National Group in the National Assembly, attended the virtual World e-Parliament Conference.

15 June
The National Assembly met at its 77the extraordinary session to decide on the Proposal of the Candidate for Minister of Justice, which it approved with 44 votes in favour and 41 against. Deputies also decided on the List of candidates for the election of two members of the Judicial Council, which they also approved with 81 votes in favour.
Members of the National Assembly delegation to the CEI Parliamentary Dimension Vojko Starović and Tomaž Lisec attended  a video meeting of the CEI PD Parliamentary Committee. At the meeting, participants discussed the promotion of equality and solidarity mechanisms in health care.
Marjan Drofenik, a former deputy of the National Assembly who performed his duties in the 2004 – 2008 parliamentary term of the National Assembly, passed away. The deputies of the National Assembly paid tribute to him with a minute’s silence at the 77th extraordinary session.

14 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the second High-Level Interparliamentary Conference on Migration and Asylum organised by the European Parliament and the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic. The conference was opened with introductory speeches by the President of the European Parliament David-Maria Sassoli, the President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia Igor Zorčič and the President of the German Bundestag Wolfgang Schäuble. The keynote speech was given by Margaritis Schinas, the European Commission’s Vice-President responsible for promoting the European way of life. In his speech, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič said, inter alia, that the forthcoming Slovenian Presidency would continue with the practice of organising the High-Level Interparliamentary Conference on Migration and Asylum.
Blaž Pavlin, a member of the National Assembly delegation to the SEECP Parliamentary Assembly attended a meeting of the SEECP PA Standing Committee via video conference.

11 June
The Committee on EU Affairs hosted a delegation of the Secretariat of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) via video link. This was a working meeting before Slovenia’s takeover of the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. The participants were addressed by the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar and the Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik.

10 June
A public presentation of opinions on the Draft Act Amending the Radiotelevizija Slovenija Act, organized by the Committee on Culture, was held in the National Assembly.

9 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, during his official visit to the Republic of Slovenia. The meeting was also attended by the Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik, the Chair of the Committee on Economy Mateja Udovč, the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Switzerland Branislav Rajic and Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zora Tavčar. The two presidents discussed, among other things, the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework Agreement which just recently the Federal Council decided not to sign. The discussion that followed also focused on the possibilities of strengthening economic cooperation. They saw an opportunity to upgrade cooperation in distribution companies and infrastructure, while there was also a growing demand for companies leading in innovation. Moreover, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič presented the priorities of the forthcoming Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In the conclusion, the presidents also touched upon the Western Balkans region, which is one of the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a video address at the 53rd International Writers' Meeting in Bled. The address was delivered in the context of the General Assembly of Writers for Peace Committee.

The Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik received the Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland, Thomas Byrne. The Minister was also received by members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group of Ireland led by Bojana Muršič.

8 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Italy Vincenzo Amendola.

On the occasion of Primož Trubar Day, The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič visited the National and University Library in Ljubljana.

4 June
The National Assembly met at its 76th extraordinary session at which it discussed, among other things, the Proposal for the Ordinance promulgating the Constitutional Act Amending Chapter II of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. 75 deputies voted in favour of the proposal and none against.

A short ceremony followed the adoption of the Ordinance enshrining sign language and the language of deafblind into the Constitution. As part of the ceremony, the participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, the Chair of the Constitutional Commission Dejan Židan and the Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Janez Cigler Kralj. Addresses were also delivered by the President of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Associations of Slovenia Mladen Veršič and the President of the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN Janko Plešec. The programme included performances by the representatives of deaf and deafblind community.

3 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended a gala concert of the Association of War Invalids and Families of the Fallen in the War 1991 marking the 30th anniversary of independent and sovereign Slovenia and in memory of all those who lost their lives in the war for independence.

At the invitation of the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament, Jüri Ratas, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the Three Seas Parliamentary Forum (3SI). The purpose of the Three Seas Parliamentary Forum (3SI) was to discuss the role of parliaments in the Three Seas initiative and their potential contribution to raising its profile. In his address, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič said that participation in the Three Seas Initiative was one Slovenia’s major instruments for implementing its foreign policy strategy.

The forum was held in a video format.

1 June
The National Assembly joined at 75th extraordinary session. Among other things, it discussed the Draft National Demographic Fund Act, which the deputies rejected with 46 votes against.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the first oath-taking of Slovenian soldiers.
 

May 2021

31 May
The President of the National Assembly received the President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

28 May
At the 75th extraordinary session, deputies decided on the proposal for the dismissal of the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič. The proposal was not adopted.

28 May
The President of the National Assembly received the Prime Minister of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapić.

27 May
The National Assembly adopted the Constitutional Act on the Use of Slovene Sign Language. A new Article 62a was added to the Constitution.

26 May
At its 75th extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed the proposal for the impeachment of the Prime Minister on grounds of violation of the constitution and laws, tabled by a group of deputies, The proposal was not adopted. The proposers also wished to obtain the opinion of the President of the Republic on the matter, but the proposal was not adopted.

26 May
Nik Prebil, Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the JPSG on Europol, received a representative of Cert.si.

25 May
At the 74th extraordinary session, the deputies adopted the draft Ordinance on calling a legislative referendum on the Act amending the Water Act. They also voted on the proposal to elect a candidate for a judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, but the proposal was not adopted.

24 May 
President Igor Zorčič received Robert Šumi, President of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, who delivered the Commission’s annual report.

20 May
Nik Prebil, Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the JPSG on Europol, received the representatives of the Safer Internet Centre.

17 May
The 23rd regular session began. As the deputies did not adopt the agenda (the result of the vote was a draw), the session closed.

15 May
On 4 May, the political party Resni.ca submitted a notice of initiative to the voters to submit a proposal to initiate proceedings to amend the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. The 60-day deadline for collecting voters’ signatures in support of the initiative was set between 16 May and 14 July 2021.

14 May 
The National Assembly met at its 73rd extraordinary session to discuss and adopt amendments to some laws (Media Act, Railway Transport Act, Infectious Diseases Act, State Administration Act).

14 May 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Andorra Maria Ubach Font.

13 May 
The President of the National Assembly received representatives of the Youth Parliament of the Alpine Convention.

12 May
At the 72nd extraordinary session, the deputies discussed the Draft At amending the Act on the Construction, Management and Administration of the Second Track of the Divača - Koper Railway Line (ZIUGDT-A). The deputies decided that the draft was not suitable for further consideration.

7 May
The President of the National Assembly received the European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič.

7 May
On the occasion of Europe Day, the National Assembly, in cooperation with the Archives of Slovenia, opened the exhibition ‘Europe and the Europeans 1950–2020’, marking the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

6 May
The coalition deputies submitted a proposal for the dismissal of Igor Zorčič from the office of President of the National Assembly. His dismissal was proposed because he had joined the group of non-affiliated deputies.

6 May
The President of the National Assembly received the President of the Supreme Court Damijan Florjančič, who delivered the Court’s annual report.

5 May 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič met with primary school students via video conference as part of the project ‘In Class with the President’. The event was held for the first time.

5 May 
The President of the National Assembly received the Advocate of the Principle of Equality Miha Lobnik, who delivered the Advocate’s annual report.

4 May 
Nik Prebil, Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the JPSG on Europol, received the Information Commissioner Mojca Prelesnik.

4 May
Svetlana Tikhanovska, the Belarusian opposition leader, paid an informal visit to the National Assembly. She was received by the President of the National Assembly and the leaders of deputy groups.

1 May 
The President of the National Assembly delivered a message on the occasion of 1 May –international workers’ day.

The deputies participated in several online meetings and other events.

 

April 2021

26 April 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Head of the EC Representation in Slovenia Jerneja Jug Jerše.

26 April 
The President of the National Assembly received representatives of the Student Organisation of Slovenia.

23 April
At its 71st extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed the Draft Ordinance on the framework for the preparation of the general government budget for the 2022–2024 period, the Draft Ordinance amending the Ordinance on the framework for the preparation of the general government budgets for the 2020–2022 period, the Draft Act amending the Act on Determining Temporary Measures to Mitigate and Remedy the Consequences of COVID-19, and the Draft Act on the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for the Market, Traffic Safety and Consumers and the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Financial Markets.

23 April
Members of the Committee on EU Affairs and the Committee on the Interior, Public Administration and Local Self-Government received the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.

22 April
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič received the Director of the Office for Central European Affairs of the US State Department Daniel J. Lawton.

22 April 
On World Earth Day and World Car Free Day, the National Assembly joined in raising awareness of the need to change habits. The ECO working group has been operating since 2010, an action plan has been prepared to reduce negative impacts on the environment, the National Assembly is separating waste, saving water and electricity, and paper. For transport around Ljubljana, there are service bikes and a service bus card Urbana.

22 April
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who was on an official visit to Slovenia.

21 April
The Chair of the Committee on Defence Samo Bevk received the Minister of Defence of Montenegro Olivera Injac.

21 April
The National Assembly hosted the 31st Children's Parliament, organised as a video conference by the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth. The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly.

20 April 
Nik Prebil, Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the JPSG on Europol, received the Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina.

15 April 
As part of Slovenia’s one-year Chairmanship of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (from June 2020 to May 2021), the National Assembly organised the 17th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative countries. The event was held as a videconference.

13 April 
The National Assembly met at its 69th extraordinary session to discuss the Draft Recommendation to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia regarding the findings of the audit report ‘Effectiveness of Procurement of Protective and Medical Equipment to Manage the Spread of SARS-CoV-2’. After the session, the deputies resumed their work: at the 70th extraordinary session, they adopted a draft resolution on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act amending the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia Budget for 2021 and 2022 Act.

6 April
Two petitions were submitted to the National Assembly by voters requesting a legislative referendum on the Act amending the Water Act. The period for collecting signatures in support of the requests was set from 20 April 2021 to 24 May 2021.

2 April 
The deputies of the opposition parliamentary parties submitted a proposal for the impeachment of Prime Minister Janez (Ivan) Janša on grounds of violation of the constitution and laws.

In April, several videoconferences took place in the National Assembly and were attended by deputies. Some events took place in a hybrid format (with physical presence and online).
 

March 2021

31 March
The Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik and the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič received the Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia Nikola Dimitrov.

30 March
At the 68th extraordinary session, the National Assembly appointed Tina Žumer as member of the Governing Board of the Bank of Slovenia and Anka Čadež as Director of the Securities Market Agency.

30 March
During the 68th extraordinary session, a secret ballot was held for the dismissal of the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič. The proposal received 45 votes in favour and no vote against, while the opposition deputies refused to vote and left the session. The 45 votes in favour were not sufficient to dismiss the President.

30 March
A deputy group of unaffiliated deputies was formed in the National Assembly. The group consists of former SMC and DeSUS deputies, including the current President of the National Assembly.

30 March 
The President of the National Assembly received the representatives of the TIGR organisation.

29 March  
The 67th extraordinary session continued with the establishment of a new parliamentary inquiry to determine the facts and the possible political responsibility of holders of public office for the inadmissible political interference in the work of the Slovenian Police, its investigative bodies, investigative groups and autonomous investigative units and alleged political influence on the course and/or outcome of pre-trial and other proceedings in the period from 13 March 2020 to the ordering of the parliamentary inquiry in question, and possibly to amend the existing legislation on the organisation, operation, management, tasks and powers of the Slovenian Police.

27 March 
By turning off the lights from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm, the National Assembly joined the Earth Hour initiative launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

26 March 
The President of the National Assembly received the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Lucian Aurescu.

25 March 
The 67th extraordinary session continued with the interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of Culture Vasko Simoniti. With only 43 votes in favour, the interpellation was rejected.

22 March 
The President of the National Assembly received the representatives of the Union of the Associations for the Values of the National Liberation Movement of Slovenia (ZZB NOB of Slovenia).

22 March  
The National Assembly launched its new website.

22 March  
The 67th extraordinary session began with parliamentary questions and motions.

19 March 
Vaccination against Covid-19 (with AstraZeneca vaccine) began for deputies and staff of the National Assembly.

19 March  
The President of the National Assembly signed the Decree on the Calling of Elections of Members of the Judicial Council.

18 March 
The Chair of the Committee on Defence Samo Bevk received the Minister of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia Radmila Sekerinska Jankovska.

18–19 March 
The National Assembly met at its 66th extraordinary session to discuss the interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Janez Cigler Kralj. With only 38 votes in favour and 44 against, the interpellation was rejected.

16 March 
The members of the Committee on EU Affairs and of the Committee on Justice received the Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights Michael O'Flaherty.

15–16 March 
The Assembly met at its 65th extraordinary session to discuss the interpellation on the work and responsibilities of the Minister of Education, Science and Sport Simona Kustec. With 38 votes in favour and 41 against, the interpellation was rejected.

14 March 
A mourning ceremony was held at Ljubljana's central cemetery to commemorate the victims of Covid-19. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the National Assembly.

11 March 
The President of the National Assembly received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Arancha González Laya.

8 March 
At the 63rd extraordinary session, the deputies gave their consent to the appointment of Tatjana Mlakar as General Director of the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia for a period of four years.

8 March
The President of the National Assembly congratulated on 8 March – International Women's Day.

8 March  
A public call for nominating candidates for the member of the Programme Council of RTV Slovenia appointed by the National Assembly was published on the National Assembly’s website.

4 March 
The 64th extraordinary session was held to discuss the draft Recommendation on the Preparation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan submitted by a group of deputies.

3 March 
The 63rd extraordinary session continued with the discussion of the draft Act Amending the Residence Registration Act, the draft Act Amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act, and others.

1 March 
The 63rd extraordinary session of the National Assembly began with parliamentary questions and motions.

The deputies attended several virtual/video meetings and conferences. The Secretary General of the National Assembly participated in the video conference for Secretaries General of the national parliaments of the EU Member States and the European Parliament.

 

February 2021

24 February
The President of the National Assembly received the representatives of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association of Slovenia.

23 February
At the 62nd extraordinary session, the deputies confirmed Janez Poklukar as Minister of Health

18 February
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič held a video meeting with the President of the Norwegian Parliament Tone Wilhelmsen Troen.

16 February
At the 60th extraordinary session, the deputies adopted the Draft Act amending the Act Establishing Constituencies for the Election of Deputies to the National Assembly. The proponents relied on the decision of the Constitutional Court, which ruled that according to the current legislation, electoral districts were not appropriate.

15 February
At the 61st extraordinary session, the deputies voted on the proposal for the election of a new President of Government submitted by a group of opposition deputies. 40 deputies voted in favour of the election, while 7 deputies voted against such. Failing to secure a majority vote of all deputies, the candidate Karl Viktor Erjavec was not elected.

8 February
On the occasion of Slovenian Day of Culture, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the Chair of the Committee on Culture Violeta Tomić posted their messages on the National Assembly’s website.

4 February
At the 59th extraordinary session, the deputies voted on the Draft Decision on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act on Additional Measures for Mitigating the Consequences of COVID-19.

3 February
The deputies met at the 58th extraordinary session and confirmed the election of Alenka Bratušek (SAB) to replace the late Franc Kramar.

3 February
A commemorative session was held in the National Assembly in honour of deputy Franc Kramar (SAB). The session was attended by the President of the Republic, deputies of the National Assembly, government representatives, other high representatives of the state, and the President of the association of former deputies Club 90. A book of condolences was available in the lobby of the Great Hall from 1 February to 5 February.

3 February
In the continuation of the 57th extraordinary session, the deputies adopted the Act on Additional Measures for Mitigating the Consequences of COVID-19.

2 February
The National Assembly met at its 57th extraordinary session, starting with a minute of silence in honour of the late Franc Kramar.

2 February
The Research Institute 8 March informed the President of the National Assembly about their initiative to the voters to submit a Draft Act amending the Penal Code. The 60-day deadline for collecting voters' signatures in support of the draft starts on 17 February 2021 and expires on 17 April 2021.

 

January 2021

30 January
Franc Kramar (member of the Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) deputy group) passed away. He had been a deputy of the National Assembly since 2018 and member of several parliamentary bodies. Between 1994 and 1998 and between 2002 and 2018, he had been the Mayor of the municipality of Bohinj.

28 January
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of Društvo poslancev 90 (an interest group of deputies) Marjan Podobnik.

27 January
The National Assembly adopted the resolution on the appointment of the Deputy Ombudsman Ivan Šelih.

27 January
The National Assembly adopted a resolution on the election of the candidate for judge at the EU General Court in Luxembourg Maja Brkan.

27 January
At the beginning of the resumed regular session, the President of the National Assembly delivered a speech to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

27 January
The National Assembly voted again on the Act Amending the Tonnage Tax Act. The Act was not adopted. The veto on the Act was passed by the National Council at the end of 2020.

25 January
The 22nd regular session of the National Assembly began with parliamentary questions and motions.

25 January
The President of the National Assembly received a representative of the Association of Croatian Societies in Slovenia.

15 January
At the request of a group of deputies, the proposal for the election of a new Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia was submitted. On 19 January, the candidate for the new Prime Minister, Karl Viktor Erjavec, withdrew his consent to the candidacy.

14 January
The President of the National Assembly adopted the acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia Nataša Goršek Mencin.

12 January
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received representatives of the Student Organisation of Slovenia.

Also in January, the deputies attended several virtual conferences, meetings, talks, and other events.

December 2020

 

30 December 
At its 56th extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted the Decision on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act Determining Intervention Measures to Assist in Mitigating the Consequences of the Second Wave of COVID-19 Epidemic (PKP7). 

29 December 
At its 55th extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed the seventh anti-coronavirus law – the Act Determining Intervention Measures to Assist in Mitigating the Consequences of the Second Wave of COVID-19 Epidemic (PKP7). 

23 December 
Deputies gathered for a solemn session to mark Independence and Unity Day. On such day (26 December), the President of the National Assembly delivered a message to the citizens. 
 
23 December 
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the plebiscite, an interactive screen was set up in the Lobby of the Great Hall of the National Assembly, presenting the milestones on Slovenia’s path towards independence. It was inaugurated by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, the President of Društvo poslancev 90 Marjan Podobnik, and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar. 

21 December 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the traditional annual meeting of Presidents (of the Republic, of the National Assembly, of the Government, and of the National Council) at the Presidential Palace. 
 
18 December 
The deputies met at the 54th extraordinary session to discuss the draft Act Amending the National Assembly Elections Act, submitted by a group of deputies. The Act was not adopted. 

17 December 
The deputies adopted several laws or amendments, among which the Act Amending the Tonnage Tax Act, which was vetoed by the National Council (23 December 2020). The National Assembly has not yet voted on the law again. 

14 December 
The 53rd extraordinary session of the National Assembly began with parliamentary questions and motions. 

14 December 
The President of the National Assembly received the representatives of Slovenian scouts who (traditionally) brought the Light of Peace from Bethlehem. 

10 December 
The President of the National Assembly delivered a message on Human Rights Day. 
 
7 December
The National Assembly met at its 52nd extraordinary session and adopted the Act on the Financial Relief of Municipalities with 81 votes in favour and no vote against. 
 
3 December 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič attended the traditional reception at the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, hosted by the President of the Republic Borut Pahor and President of the Goverment Janez Janša. 

In December, the deputies attended several virtual video conferences, meetings and sessions. 

 

November 2020

 

27 November
The National Assembly held its 50th and 51st extraordinary sessions to adopt the Resolution on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act on Intervention Measures to Mitigate the Consequences of the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Epidemic and the Resolution on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in the Slovenian Armed Forces in the Years 2021 to 2026.

25 November
The National Assembly met at its 49th extraordinary session, to which part of the deputies participated remotely. The Assembly adopted the Act on Intervention Measures to Mitigate the Consequences of the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Epidemic.

25 November
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, President Zorčič and Secretary General Uršula Zore Tavčar wore white ribbons.

23 November
President Zorčič congratulated on Rudolf Maister’s Day.

20 November 
At the end of the 48th extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted the Annual Financial Statement the National Budget for 2019, the Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in the Slovenian Armed Forces in the Years 2021 to 2026, the Resolution on the composition of the Commission of Inquiry to determine the possible political responsibility of holders of public functions for financially inadequate measures and allegedly unjustified restriction of rights in the implementation of measures related to the Covid-19 epidemic, and the Resolution on the appointment of the President and members of the National Electoral Commission and their substitutes.

18 November
President Zorčič received the Executive Director of Unicef Slovenia Tomaž Bergoč.

18 November
At the continuation of the 48th extraordinary session, the deputies adopted the Amendments to the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2021, the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2022, and the Act on the Execution of the Budgets of the Republic of Slovenia for 2021 and 2022.

17 November
President Zorčič received Samo Jereb, member of the European Court of Auditors. Mr. Jereb was also received by the Chair of the Commission for Public Finance Control Igor Peček and Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik.

16 November
The 48th extraordinary session of the National Assembly began. Deputies who were quarantined or whose personal participation in the session would, for epidemiological reasons, pose a risk to the health and safety of deputies participated from outside the seat of the National Assembly. The session began with parliamentary questions and motions.

14 November
The National Assembly joined the celebration of the Day of Slovene Sign Language with an online viewing of the documentary Language of Equality.

10 November
A working meeting took place between President Igor Zorčič, Secretary General Uršula Zora Tavčar and the Chairs of some working bodies of the National Assembly to prepare for the parliamentary dimension of the EU Council Presidency.

2 November 
The first remote extraordinary session was held in the National Assembly. Part of the deputies participated from outside the seat of the National Assembly by means ICT. Prior to that (27 October), the Council of the President had adopted a Resolution on the existence of extraordinary circumstances and the convening and implementation of the 47th extraordinary session of the National Assembly due to the inability of some deputies to attend owing to quarantine. The deputies discussed the draft recommendation for the Government regarding staffing in state institutions and companies, which had been submitted for consideration by a group of deputies.

In November, the deputies took part in several videoconferences and meetings scheduled in the programme of National Assembly’s international activity.

Between 23 October and 1 November, deputies traditionally laid wreaths on All Saints Day.

 

October 2020

 

Deputies participated in numerous videoconferences/conferences and meetings within the framework of National Assembly’s international activity.

In commemoration of the Day of Remembrance for the Dead, the representatives of the National Assembly laid wreaths at commemorative monuments in Slovenia.

31 October 
The President of the National Assembly delivered a message to commemorate Reformation Day.

27 October 
The Council of the President of the National Assembly adopted the Decision on the existence of an emergency situation and on the calling and holding of the 47th extraordinary session of the National Assembly on 2 November 2020. The President decided to hold the session remotely due to the inability of some deputies to attend the session in person (quarantine due to the Covid-19 epidemic). 

27 October 
At the continuation of the 21st regular session, the deputies adopted the draft recommendation to the 25th Annual Report of the Human Rights Ombudsman for 2019 and the draft recommendation to the Report of the Human Rights Ombudsman on the implementation of the tasks of the National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment for 2019.

The National Assembly ordered a parliamentary inquiry to determine the facts and possible political responsibility of public officials in the implementation of measures related to the Covid-19 epidemic and the mitigation of its consequences, on suspicion of misappropriation of public funds and violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the period from 13 March 2020 until the order of the parliamentary inquiry in question, and for a possible amendment of the current legislation governing the state's action in combating the epidemic of the infectious disease or its consequences. The request to order a parliamentary inquiry was presented by a group of 39 deputies with first signed Brane Golubović.

25 October 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a message to commemorate Sovereignty Day.

21 October 
At the continuation of the 21st regular session, the deputies discussed the proposal for the election of the Constitutional Court judge. The candidate Anže Erbežnik did not receive the majority vote of all deputies. With 44 votes in favour and 35 against, Anže Erbežnik did not receive adequate support to be elected judge of the Constitutional Court. 

Furthermore, the deputies voted on the proposal to appoint a candidate for the Governing Board of the Bank of Slovenia, Vice Governor Arjana Brezigar Masten. With 44 votes in favour and 35 against, Arjana Brezigar Masten did not receive adequate support to be appointed Vice Governor.

19 October 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani.

19 October 
In the National Assembly, the 21st regular session began with the parliamentary questions and motions.

15 October 
The deputies met at the 46th extraordinary session to adopt the Act Determining Interim Measures to Mitigate and Remedy the Consequences of Covid-19, also known as the Fifth Anti-Coronavirus Package. The purpose of the Act is to remedy or mitigate the consequences of Covid-19. They also decided on the election of a new Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. With 48 votes in favour and 7 against, Jože Podgoršek was elected Minister.

15 October 
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy and the Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs received the Chief Negotiator of Albania's Accession to the EU Zef Mazi.

14 October 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representatives of the Slovenian national community in Italy.

9 October 
In the lobby of the Great Hall, held exhibition “Kärnten/Koroška (Un)Divided Land – 100 Years After the Plebiscite” was set up. The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the organisers of the exhibition.

8 October 
New judges took oath before the President of the National Assembly.

5 October 
At its 45th extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed the Presentation of the Budget Memorandum 2021–2022, the Draft Amendments to the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2021, and the Draft Budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2022. At the continuation of the session, the deputies discussed the proposal for the dismissal of Aleksandra Pivec, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. During the session, the minister gave notice of withdrawal, which was presented to the deputies at the same session.

4 October 
On this day 30 years ago, at the constitutive session of all three assemblies of the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, the Constitutional Act Implementing Constitutional Amendment XCVI to the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia was promulgated. The Constitutional Act provided for a gradual withdrawal from the legal system of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and a departure from federal laws that were not acceptable in the Republic of Slovenia and which were not in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia.

 

September 2020

 

30 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Judicial Council Erik Kerševan.

29 September
The regular session resumed. With 72 votes for and 13 votes against, the deputies adopted the Act Amending the Trade Act, stipulating that shops would generally be closed on Sundays.

29 September
The Head of the National Assembly’s Delegation to NATO PA Branko Grims participated in a video meeting of the NATO PA Standing Committee.

28 September – 29 September
Nik Prebil, Head of Delegation to the JGSP on Europol, participated in a virtual meeting of the JPSG on Europol.

28 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Head of the EC Representation in Slovenia Zoran Stančič.

25 September
Tadeja Šuštar, member of the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, participated in a virtual meeting of the Committee.

24 September
The Women Parliamentarians Club of the National Assembly met at its 16th meeting to discuss the Istanbul Convention.

23 September
Suzana Lep Šimenko, Head of the National Assembly’ Delegation to PACE, participated in a video meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy.

23 September
The regular session resumed. The deputies adopted the Revised State Budget for 2020 and the Act Amending the Implementation of the Budgets of the Republic of Slovenia for 2020 and 2021 Act.

22 September
Tadeja Šuštar, Chair of the Friendship Group with the State of Israel, held a video meeting with the Chair of the Friendship Group with Slovenia in the Knesset Hila Shay Vazan.

22 September
In view of the changed situation regarding the coronavirus, journalists were informed about the changed conditions for their work in the National Assembly. The President of the National Assembly also appealed to all those present on the premises of the National Assembly to strictly follow the instructions for preventing the spread of covid-19.

22 September
The President of the National Assembly met with the Advocate of the Principle of Equality Miha Lobnik, who presented the Regular Annual Report of the Advocate of the Principle of Equality for 2019.

21 September
September is the month of raising awareness about children with cancer. For such purpose, the deputies wore the gold ribbon – the international symbol of the fight against childhood cancer.

21 September
The 20th session of the National Assembly began with parliamentary questions and motions.

19 September
On the International Day of the Deaf, the World Federation of the Deaf called on the leaders of countries around the world to learn this year's slogan Sign Language ​​for Everyone in their national sign language. The challenge was accepted also by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič.

18 September
The deputies met at the 44th extraordinary session to discuss the interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs. 38 deputies voted in favour of the interpellation, while 43 voted against. Aleš Hojs remained Minister of the Interior.
At the beginning of the session, the deputies observed a minute of silence in honour of the recently deceased deputy Bojan Kontič.

18 September
The Chair and members of the Committee on Foreign Policy and the Chair and members of the Committee on EU Affairs received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic Nikos Dendias.

17 September
The President of the National Assembly delivered a message on the occasion of the Day Without a Road Death.

17 September
The President of the National Assembly received the representatives of the German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia.

15 September
Tadeja Šuštar, alternate member of the National Assembly’ delegation to PACE, participated in a virtual meeting of the PACE Standing Committee. As Chair of the Friendship Group with the State of Israel, she also attended a video address by the President of the Knesset on the New Year according to the Jewish calendar.

14 September
The Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik participated in the COSAC video conference.

11 September
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See in the Republic of Slovenia Archbishop Msgr. Jean-Marie Speich.

4 September
The German Parliament organised a virtual Interparliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP). The conference was attended by Monika Gregorčič, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Nik Prebil, member of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Samo Bevk, Chair of the Committee on Defence, and Andrej Černigoj, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Defence.

3 September
A commemorative session of the National Assembly was held on the death of the former President of the National Assembly Franc (Feri) Horvat. Relatives of the deceased, the President of the Republic, deputies of the National Assembly, representatives of the Government, representatives of the National Council, other high representatives of the Republic of Slovenia and members of the Društvo poslancev 90 were invited to the attend the session.

3 September
The President of the National Assembly received the General State Prosecutor Drago Šketa.

 

August 2020

 

23 August 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič delivered a message on the occasion of the Europe-Wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.

19 – 20 August 
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) organised a virtual World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments. The conference was joined by the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič.

17 August 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič congratulated the people of Prekmurje and the citizens of Slovenia on the Day of Unification of Prekmurje Slovenes with the Mother Nation.

2 August 
Former deputy Bojan Kontič passed away. He was first elected to the National Assembly in the second parliamentary term (1996-2000) and held office for three consecutive terms. For several years, he had been Mayor of the Municipality of Velenje and a member of the National Council.

1 August 
Former deputy and President of the National Assembly Franc (Feri) Horvat passed away. He was first elected to the National Assembly in 1992 and held office for four consecutive terms. In 2004, he was elected President of the National Assembly. In honour of his memory, a book of condolences was set up in the lobby of the Great Hall of the National Assembly between 4 and 8 August.

 

July 2020

 

16 July
Despite the official start of parliamentary recess, the deputies met in two more extraordinary sessions. At the 42nd extraordinary session they discussed the draft Act Amending the Trade Act and the proposed closure of shops on Sundays. Voting was postponed to autumn. At the 43rd extraordinary session the deputies discussed the Act on the Provision of Funds for Investments in the Slovenian Army in 2021–2026 proposed by the Government. Following a general debate, they decided that the Act was suitable for further consideration.

15 July
An expert consultation was held in the National Assembly regarding the amendment of the electoral legislation. In November 2018, the Constitutional Court had found that Article 4 of the Act Determining Constituencies for the Election of Deputies to the National Assembly was inconsistent with the Constitution and such inconsistency had to be eliminated within two years. The National Assembly had already discussed the proposed amendments to the National Assembly Elections Act at the 16th plenary session, but they had not received sufficient support.

15 July
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representatives of the Greens of Slovenia who delivered a petition entitled “The right to clean drinking water for all? No more promises, it’s time for action. Our water will never be for sale!”

14 July
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the Ombudsman Peter Svetina, who presented him with the Report on the Work of the Ombudsman for 2019 and the Report on the Implementation of the Tasks and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism for 2019.

10 July
The National Assembly met at its 41st extraordinary session to discuss and adopt the Proposal for a decision on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act on the Intervention Measures to Prepare for the Second Wave of COVID-19.

10 July
The 19th regular session resumed with an address by President Zorčič and a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica.

9 July
The 19th regular session of the National Assembly began. The deputies adopted the Act on the Intervention Measures to Prepare for the Second Wave of COVID-19, which provides for temporary measures in the field of labour and employment relationships, scholarships, health care and social welfare institutions. They also discussed the draft Act amending the Act on the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigating its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy, which would provide pensioners with protective masks. The draft had been previously discussed by the Committee of Finance but it had not been adopted. Following a presentation of the positions of the deputy groups, the legislative procedure on the draft was completed.

8 July
The National Assembly marked the 100th anniversary of the arson attack on the Narodni dom in Trieste by watching a documentary shedding light on that event.

8 July
The regular annual gathering of the members of the Association of Deputies 90 was held in the Great Hall of the National Assembly. The participants were greeted by the President of the National Assembly.

 

June 2020

 

30 June 
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the representatives of the Slovenian national community living in Austria.

29 June
A videoconference took place at the National Assembly during which the Declaration by the Parliaments of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Slovenia on the preparation and running of the parliamentary dimension of the Trio Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021 was signed by the Presidents of all the participating chambers: President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca on behalf of Slovenia, President of the Bundestag Wolfgang Schäuble and President of the Bundesrat Dietmar Woidke on behalf of Germany, and President of the Assembly Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues on behalf of Portugal.

24 June
On the eve of Statehood Day, a solemn session was held at the National Assembly. The keynote speaker was the President of the National Assembly. The session was also attended by the flag-bearers of the Slovenian Army and standard-bearers of veteran and patriotic organisations.

18 June
With the adoption of the draft Act Amending the Public Holidays and Work-off Days Act in the Republic of Slovenia Act, the National Assembly decided that Sports Day would be celebrated on 23 September and would not be a work-off day.

18 June
At the 18th session of the National Assembly, the President of the Republic addressed the deputies and spoke of the necessity of amending electoral legislation following the decision of the Constitutional Court (UI 32/2015), which established that the territories of electoral districts no longer met the criteria laid down in the National Assembly Elections Act (equal number of inhabitants, geographical characteristics, maximum possible integrity of the municipality).

17 June
he Women Parliamentarians Club met to discuss the work of the previous Presidency and the programme of work until October 2020. They were addressed by the President of the National Assembly.

17 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption Robert Šumi to discuss the future cooperation between the two institutions, also in the light of the newly adopted Code of Ethics for Deputies. They both agreed that the adoption of the Code sent a positive message to the public.

16 June
The deputies voted on the draft Act Amending the Infectious Diseases Act, proposing that vaccination would no longer be mandatory, but voluntary. The draft was submitted to the National Assembly by a group of 5,000 voters. The deputies decided that the law was not suitable for further consideration.

16 June
With 42 votes in favour and 38 against, Andraž Teršek did not receive adequate support to be elected judge of the Constitutional Court.

16 June
The Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Marko Pogačnik participated in a video conference of the Chairpersons of COSAC. This was the final event under the parliamentary dimension of the Croatian Presidency of the EU Council.

15 June
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the new President of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts Peter Štih. They expressed themselves in favour of continuing the good cooperation between the two institutions.

15 June
The National Assembly began its 18th session with parliamentary questions and motions.

12 June
The Council of the President of the National Assembly adopted the Code of Ethics for Deputies of the National Assembly.

11 June
The 40th extraordinary session continued with the deputies deciding on the interpellation on the work and responsibility of the Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Počivalšek. The interpellation was proposed by a group of 37 deputies headed by Brane Golubović. The vote of no confidence was not passed – 37 deputies voted in favour and 51 voted against.

11 June
The 40th extraordinary session of the National Assembly began with a minute of silence in memory of the late Janez Kocijančič, deputy of the National Assembly in the first term 1992–1996, and Ivan Kebrič, deputy of the National Assembly in the terms 1996–2000 and 2000–2004.                 

8 June
With a contribution by the President of the National Assembly, the National Assembly commemorated Primož Trubar Day.

5 June
A group of deputies presented the draft Code of Ethics for Deputies of the National Assembly to the Council of the President of the National Assembly.

2 June
The President of the National Assembly received the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia Rajko Knez.

1 June
Most employees of the National Assembly returned to work on the premises of the National Assembly (many of them worked from home during the epidemic).

 

May 2020

 

4 May 
Opposition deputies from the List of Marjan Šarec, Social Democrats, The Left and the Party of Alenka Bratušek
(thirty-seven deputies with the first signatory Brane Golubovič) submitted to the National Assembly an
interpellation on the work and responsibilities of the Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko
Počivalšek regarding the allegations in the procurement of protective equipment during the epidemic.

5 May
Coalition deputy groups (Slovenian Democratic Party, New Slovenia, Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia
and Party of Modern Centre) have submitted a request for a parliamentary inquiry into the status, conduct,
stocks, orders and procurement of protective and critical medical equipment to effectively combat infectious
diseases and into the functioning of institutions and public officials concerning the timely containment of the
COVID-19 epidemic for the period from 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020.
The request was signed by 46 deputies.

A group of deputies from opposition deputy groups (List of Marjan Šarec, Social Democrats and Party of Alenka
Bratušek) also submitted their request for a parliamentary inquiry. It aims to investigate purchases from 12
March 2020 onwards.

11 May
At its 37th extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed amendments to the 
Ordinance on the Framework for the Preparation of General Government Budgets for the Period 2020–2022,
according to which the state will create a general government deficit of 8.1 percent of gross domestic product
instead of a surplus due to the effects of the new coronavirus epidemic and the related measures.

12 May
The Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning discussed the Draft Act Amending the Nature
Conservation Act and the amendment tabled by the Slovenian National Party, which changes the conditions for the
participation of non-governmental organizations in administrative and court proceedings. Around 300 protesters
gathered in front of the National Assembly building in the afternoon, warning of the consequences for nature
that the proposed change is supposed to bring.

14 May
At its 37th extraordinary session, the National Assembly continued its consideration of the Draft Resolution on
the Acquaintance with the Report on the Status, Reasons, Stocks and Orders of Personal Protective and Critical
Medical Equipment upon the Declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Epidemic and on the Procurement Enabling
Slovenia a Successful Confrontation with It. The National Assembly adopted the report unanimously (with 50
votes). Prior to the vote on the report, opposition deputies (The Left, Social Democrats, List of Marjan Šarec
and Party of Alenka Bratušek, with the exception of the Slovenian National Party deputies) announced an
obstruction. They pointed out that in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and the negative opinion of the
Legislative and Legal Services, the National Assembly could only take note of the report and not decide on it.

15 May
On the occasion of the International Day of the Family, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič
received the Ombudsman Peter Svetina.

18 May
Some former employees of the National Assembly or the then Assembly, former members of the National Defense
Maneuver Structure and the National Protection in the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia gathered in the
National Assembly. The event was part of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the National Defense Maneuver
Structure, which began on 17 May 1990 in response to a request from the Yugoslav People's Army to transfer
Territorial Defense weapons from its own warehouses to YPA-controlled warehouses. In this way, they prevented
the complete disarmament of the then Territorial Defense and established the defense forces of the newly
emerging state of Slovenia.
 
20 May
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic
of Slovenia Damijan Florjančič, who presented the Annual Report on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Courts
for 2019.

21 May
The President of the National Assembly visited the Municipality of Novo Mesto as the first city he intends to
visit as part of the plan of working visits to municipalities. The purpose of the working visits is to get
acquainted with the problems of municipalities and the people who live there, to bring the legislative branch
of government closer to the people, to their problems and to help them find concrete solutions and
improvements.

25–27 May
The National Assembly met at its 17th regular session, which began with parliamentary questions. The Prime
Minister answered the first four questions. All four questions were related to the COVID-19 epidemic, its
consequences for the social situation of the people and the public finances of the country, and the
government's measures to curb these consequences. 
In the continuation of the session, the deputies discussed, among other things, the proposed amendments to the
Nature Conservation Act, which tighten the conditions for the participation of non-governmental organizations
in administrative procedures. They also discussed the draft act submitted to the legislative procedure by
deputies of The Left, which provides for the closure of shops on Sundays and public holidays, and supported it
in the first reading. They continued with the discussion of the draft resolution on the exercise of the
exceptional powers of the Slovenian Armed Forces in the wider protection of the state border. As the draft
resolution did not receive the required support at the working body responsible, the deputies only took note of
it, but did not decide on the resolution. At the partially closed session, deputies also discussed the interim
report on the conducted parliamentary investigation on the establishment of abuses and uneconomical conduct in
the Bank Assets Management Company.

26 May
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič received the President of the Court of Audit of the Republic
of Slovenia Tomaž Vesel.

26 May 
At its night session, the Committee on Labour, Family, Social Affairs and the Disability discussed the Draft
Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences – EPA
1173-VIII. The main measure is to subsidize part-time work, which is intended to encourage the economy to
restart after the end of the epidemic.
As the Committee did not conclude the discussion of the entire Act, it continued the session on 27 May.

28 May
The Committee on Finance discussed the Draft Act Regulating the Guarantee of the Republic of Slovenia in
European Instrument SURE, in which EUR 100 billion in loans will be available to EU member states to protect
the labour market due to the new coronavirus disease.
The Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning discussed the proposal for an intervention
act to remove obstacles to the implementation of significant investments to start the economy after the COVID-
19 epidemic.

28 May
At a working conversation, the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič and the President of the Republic
Borut Pahor discussed the possibilities for enforcing the decision of the Constitutional Court regarding
changes and amendments to the electoral legislation.

29 May
At its 38th extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed and adopted the so-called third package of
measures to mitigate the effects of the new coronavirus disease epidemic on the economy, which included the
Draft Act Regulating the Guarantee of the Republic of Slovenia in European Instrument for Temporary Support to
Mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) Following the COVID-19 Outbreak (ZPEIPZB), Draft
Intervention Act to Remove Obstacles to the Implementation of Significant Investments to Start the Economy
after the COVID-19 Epidemic (IZOOPIZG), and the Draft Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the
COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences (ZIUOOPE).

30 May
At its 39th extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted resolutions on the inadmissibility of calling
a legislative referendum on the acts from the third package of measures to mitigate the consequences of the
COVID-19 epidemic.

 

April 2020

 

1 April
The Committee on Finance continued with consideration of the Draft Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (ZIUZEOP), Urgent Procedure, EPA 1095-VIII.

1 April
The Committee on Defence considered the Draft Decision on the Slovenian Armed Forces Exercising Exceptional Powers During Wider Protection of the National Border, EPA 1097-VIII and rejected it.

1 April
The Government submitted to the legislative procedure the Draft Act Amending the Referendum and Popular Initiative Act – EPA 1098-VIII. The draft act regulates the decision-making procedure of the National Assembly in the event that it is forbidden to call a referendum. The Constitution stipulates that, among other things, a referendum may not be called on acts on urgent measures to ensure the defense of the state, security or the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters. The National Assembly must, within 14 days of receiving a referendum initiative for an act for which a referendum may not be called, adopt a decision establishing this and then publish it in the Official Gazette.

2 April
The National Assembly met at its 33rd extraordinary session to discuss the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (ZIUZEOP), EPA 1095-VIII. The National Assembly adopted the act with 53 votes in favour and one vote against. Deputies were informed about the suspension of the office of deputy Franc Breznik and deputy Jelka Godec due to the appointment as state secretaries. Their office as deputy is taken over by Ljubo Žnidar and Nuša Ferenčič.

3 April
A group of deputies submitted to the legislative procedure Draft Amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly. They establish a legal basis for the way the National Assembly, the Council of the President of the National Assembly and working bodies work during the declared epidemic, so that they can hold remote sessions in exceptional circumstances to reduce risks to the safety and health of deputies. The amendments provide only for the consideration of urgent matters (e.g. Government acts to limit or eliminate the consequences of the epidemic) and the possibility for those deputies who are unable to attend sessions due to legitimate reasons to participate through information and communication technology (which allows for debate and voting; if voting is not possible, the deputy casts his/her vote in the manner otherwise prescribed).

7 April
At its 34th extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted the Draft Act Amending the Referendum and Popular Initiative Act (ZRLI-E), EPA 1098-VIII, which limits the possibility of calling a referendum in some cases. It also adopted Draft Amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly (PoDZ-1F), EPA 1105-VIII. It postponed the discussion of the Draft Decision on the Slovenian Armed Forces Exercising Exceptional Powers During Wider Protection of the National Border (EPA 1097-VIII) to one of the forthcoming sessions at the proposal of the coalition.

16 April
At its 65th session, the Council of the President of the National Assembly adopted the work schedule of the National Assembly for May. It envisages a regular May session of the National Assembly, which also means a gradual transition towards normal work dynamics.

20 April
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič signed a decree to call a by-election to the National Council. The by-election of a member of the National Council – a representative of local interests in the 3rd constituency for the election of representatives of local interests to the National Council – will be held on Thursday, 18 June 2020.

24 April
The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič sent a letter of support in the fight against coronavirus disease to the Speakers of the Parliaments of the European Union, the EFTA countries, the Great Britain, the countries in the Western Balkans and to the President of the European Parliament (38 letters in total).
 
28 April
Members of the National Assembly met at the 35th extraordinary session. Among the 12 items on the agenda, the following call for attention: draft laws amending and supplementing intervention acts in the field of judicial, administrative and other public law matters to control the spread of COVID-19 and the acts on the already adopted intervention measures to curb the COVID-19 epidemic and mitigate its consequences for citizens and the economy. In addition, the Assembly discussed and adopted a draft act to provide additional liquidity to the economy to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic (ZDLGPE). On the basis of the Act, a guarantee scheme in the amount of two billion Euros will be created, with which the state will guarantee the borrowing of corporate loans from commercial banks. The Act increases the lump sum for municipalities by about six percent. The Assembly also discussed several staff matters: it appointed seven members of the RTV Slovenia’s Programme Council, adopted resolutions on changes in the composition and appointment of the president, vice-president, members and deputy members of investigative commissions, appointed new chairs and deputy chairs of the working bodies of the National Assembly, and it adopted a decision on the election of the president, vice-president and members of the Commission for the Supervision of Intelligence and Security Services.
At the beginning of the session, the National Assembly was informed of the termination of the parliamentary office of Nuša Ferenčič (on 17 April) and the resumption of the office of deputy Franc Breznik, from 18 April onwards.
 
29 April
The National Assembly continued its 35th extraordinary session. It discussed and adopted amendments to acts on construction (extended deadlines for obtaining the required education) and on exploitation of the energy potential of the Lower Sava River (due to requirements for the construction of Mokrice HPP), to the energy act, water act, game and hunting act as well as the act regulating additional measures for remedying damage due to the overpopulation of bark beetles.
The presentation of the positions of the parliamentary groups concluded the discussion of the Draft Act Amending the State Border Control Act and the Draft Act Amending the Protection of Public Order Act. The two draft acts did not receive sufficient support at the working body responsible, so the second reading of both draft acts at the session of the working body was concluded. The National Assembly only determined the conclusion of the legislative procedure for both draft acts.

30 April
At the 36th extraordinary session, the deputies discussed and on the basis of the second paragraph of Article 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia, Article 21a of the Referendum and Popular Initiative Act and Article 112 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly adopted decisions on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act on Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Effects of the COVID-19 Infectious Disease Epidemic (EPA 1120-VIII), the Act Amending the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (EPA 1122)
and the Act Amending the Act on Provisional Measures for Judicial, Administrative and Other Public Matters to Cope with the Spread of Infectious Disease SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (EPA 1121-VIII).
After voting on the draft decision on the inadmissibility of calling a legislative referendum on the Act on Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Effects of the COVID-19 Infectious Disease Epidemic, the Left Deputy Group, List of Marjan Šarec Deputy Group, Social Democrats Deputy Group and Party of Alenka Bratušek Deputy Group announced an obstruction and left the session.

30 April
Eleven newly appointed judges were sworn in before the President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič.

 

March 2020

 

2–3 March
The National Assembly held the 16th regular session to discuss 13 items on the agenda. The National Assembly began the session with parliamentary questions.

3 March
On proposal of the President of the Republic, the National Assembly elected by secret ballot with 52 votes for and 31 against the new Prime Minister Janez (Ivan) Janša (Slovenian Democratic Party – SDS).
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan made his resignation statement. In accordance with Articles 112 and 202, the National Assembly took note of the resignation.

5 March
The National Assembly elected Igor Zorčič (Party of Modern Centre – SMC) President of the National Assembly with 48 votes for and 29 against.

6 March
On proposal of the coalition deputy groups, the Council of the President of the National Assembly adopted a decision that changed the composition of some working bodies. It increased the number of seats occupied by representatives of coalition deputy groups.

The President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič informed the public that the National Assembly had already taken preventive measures against the possible infection with the new coronavirus, primarily related to the coughing, hand and premises hygiene. A decision was also adopted to restrict visits to parliamentary premises, in particular guided tours of parliamentary premises and other non-urgent visits involving a large number of people.

6 March
Prime Minister Janez (Ivan) Janša submitted to the National Assembly a candidate list for ministers of the 14th Slovenian government.

10–13 March
The working bodies of the National Assembly held presentations of candidates for ministers of the new government. All proposed candidates received support.

13 March
The National Assembly held the 31st extraordinary session. The deputies debated on the proposed candidates for ministers. With 52 votes for and 31 votes against, they approved the 14th Slovenian government.

16 March
In connection with the COVID-19 epidemic, the Council of the President of the National Assembly adopted some changes in the organisation of the work of the National Assembly and its working bodies.
The Council decided that the National Assembly would only meet in extraordinary sessions in March and April. Items scheduled for discussion at the regular March and April sessions will be discussed by deputies at the regular session scheduled for May.

19 March
Deputies met at the 32nd extraordinary session. They considered and adopted a package of draft laws on emergency measures for partial reimbursement of salaries, measures on the agricultural market, measures relating to judicial, administrative and public administration matters to control the spread of COVID-19, measures in the fiscal area and emergency measures to defer the obligations of the borrowers.

They also discussed several personnel matters noting the termination of office of deputies, the suspension of parliamentary office and changes in the composition of the 
Commission of Inquiry for Investigating the Alleged Money Laundering in NKBM d.d., the Suspected Illegal Financing of the Slovenian Democratic Party and the Suspected Illegal Financing of the Election Campaign of the Slovenian Democratic Party for the Early Elections to the National Assembly in 2018.

The new deputies of the National Assembly are as follows: Leon Merjasec, Mojca Škrinjar, Elena Zavadlav Ušaj and Jure Ferjan (Slovenian Democratic Party – SDS), Mihael Prevc and Andrej Černigoj (New Slovenia – NSi), for the remainder of the term of office Jani (Janko) Möderndorfer instead of Miro (Miroslav) Cerar (Party of Modern Centre – SMC) and Maša Kociper instead of Peter Jožef Česnik (Party of Alenka Bratušek – SAB).

31 March
The Committee on Finance began its 36th urgent meeting by discussing the Draft Law on Intervention Measures to Mitigate the Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infectious Disease Epidemic on Citizens and the Economy (ZIUZEOP), emergency procedure, EPA 1095-VIII.

February 2020

 

7 February 
Organised by the Committee on Culture, a cultural event was held on the Slovenian national day of culture – Prešeren's Day.
The audience was addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and Chair of the Committee on Culture Violeta Tomić. The programme included performances by the Kvorum Parliamentary Choir and young musicians from Bela Krajina: singer Tina Pezdirc and reciter Rok Babič, accompanied by guitarist Natko Štiglić.

10 –11 February 
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and his delegation paid an official visit to the Republic of Northern Macedonia at the invitation of the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Northern Macedonia Talat Xhaferi. The delegation also included the Chair of the Commission for Relations with Slovenes in Neighbouring and Other Countries and Chair of the Friendship Group with the Republic of Northern Macedonia Iva Dimic and the Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs and member of the Friendship Group with the Republic of Northern Macedonia Igor Peček.

14 February
The National Assembly was visited by the kurents and other traditional carnival figures and masks from Ptuj. In front of the main entrance to the National Assembly building, they were received by the Vice President of the National Assembly Jože Tanko.

17 – 18 February
The members of the IPU National Group Nataša Sukič and Branislav Rajić attended the parliamentary hearing at the United Nations in New York.

18 February
To mark the International Year of Plant Health 2020 and the first EU reference laboratories at the National Institute of Biology, the National Institute of Biology and the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Service and Plant Health organised an event attended by internationally recognised EU experts.
The event included a performance by the octet known as the Biološki Oktet.

18 – 19 February
The Chair of the Committee on the Economy Gregor Perič, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Finance Luka Mesec and Chair of the Committee on Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Disabilities Vojko Starovič attended the European Parliamentary Week 2020.
The European Parliamentary Week covers the Conference on the European Semester and the Interparliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the European Union. The participants discussed the possibility of strengthening the economic and monetary union and the position of the European Union in tackling climate change. They also participated in an exchange of views on successful practices to achieve inclusive growth.

20 – 21 February
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Gregor Perič and alternate member Zmago Jelinčič Plemeniti attended the winter OSCE PA session in Vienna.

24 February
The members of the SMC Deputy Group tabled an amendment to the Infectious Diseases Act to raise the vaccination rate to at least 95 percent. According to medical doctrine, such percentage provides for collective immunity.

The Healthy Society Party, on the other hand, collected 5,000 signatures for a draft act proposing the elimination of compulsory vaccination.

26 February
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received Lord German, member of the UK House of Lords and Chair of the Parliamentary Choir. Lord German also met with Secretary General Uršula Zore Tavčar.

26 February
Pursuant to the first paragraph of Article 111 of the Constitution and upon consultation with the leaders of parliamentary groups, the President of the Republic Borut Pahor proposed to the National Assembly the new Prime Minister – Janez Janša, leader of SDS.

28 February
On Rare Disease Day, the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan opened a photo exhibition entitled ‘Heartfelt Stories by Little Fighters’, organised by the Association for Assistance to Children with Rare Diseases Viljem Julijan.

 

January 2020

 

6 January 
The President of the National Assembly received the carol singers from the Missionary Centre of Slovenia who, through their activities, continue to help the persons in need and preserve a culture of solidarity.

17 January
During her official visit to Slovenia, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson also visited the National Assembly. She met with the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and members of the Committee on EU Affairs and the Committee on the Interior, Public Administration and Local Self-Government.
The main theme of the visit of the European Commissioner was the New Pact on Migration and Asylum to be developed by the Commissioner.

27 January
On the occasion of World Braille Day and the 100th anniversary of organised activities of the blind and visually impaired in Slovenia, an exhibition was set up at the National Assembly, showing the life and work of the blind and visually impaired. The event was also intended for the presentation of a brochure on beekeeping in Braille, prepared by the Slovenian Beekeeping Association of Slovenia in cooperation with the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

27–29 January
The National Assembly met at its 15th regular session to discuss 12 items on the agenda.
Marking the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Židan emphasised the particular importance of this year’s celebration as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp where over 1 million people had died. The deputies held a minute's silence to remember them and all Holocaust victims.

The session began with parliamentary questions. The first four questions were answered by Prime Minister Marjan Šarec, who had announced his resignation earlier that morning. 

Most of the time at the session was devoted to the third reading of the draft Act amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act (ZZVZZ-O) concerning the abolition of supplementary health insurance. The Act was not adopted (32 votes for, 51 votes against).

At the request of the National Council, the National Assembly voted again on the Act amending the Tonnage Tax Act. The Act was not adopted (41 votes for, 44 votes against).

29 January 
The National Assembly took note of Marjan Šarec’s notice of resignation as Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia. This also ended the functions of other members of the Government. Until the election of a new Prime Minister and the appointment of new ministers, the ministers continue to perform their regular duties.

December 2019

23 December
On the occasion of Independence and Unity Day, the National Assembly held a formal session in the Great Hall. The keynote speaker at the session was Vice-President of the National Assembly Jože Tanko. He pointed out that “we are commemorating one of the most important days in Slovenian history. On this very day, 29 years ago, the plebiscite was held at which the people of Slovenia decided on their further path. On whether to remain part of Yugoslavia, which did not function as a state governed by law as it had been severely violating human and national rights as well as the rights of the republics and the autonomous provinces, or whether to go our own path, a path of freedom and democracy.”

The formal session was attended by current and former deputies of the National Assembly, representatives of the National Council, high representatives of the Republic of Slovenia, representatives of other countries and several other high representatives of political, social and religious life. 

The cultural programme featured the Kvorum Parliamentary Choir conducted by Ana Maria Beguš and the Jazz Combo Band – University of Ljubljana, Academy for Music.

23 December
The Small Hall was inaugurated on completion of renovation works. The keynote speakers were President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca.

The cultural programme featured the Kvorum Parliamentary Choir, the Police Orchestra, the Female Vocal Group Zarja and the parliamentary ensemble Parlament Dixie Band.

19 December
The National Assembly named Angelika Mlinar minister for development, strategic projects and cohesion with 44 votes for and 43 against. 

18 December
The Sub-Committee on Monitoring Cancer in the Republic of Slovenia, chaired by Iva Dimic, held its first session at which it adopted its work programme.

18 December
In a closed session, deputies addressed “The report on intelligence and counterintelligence activities in connection with the events between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia during arbitration procedures before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague”.

17 December
The representatives of the Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association (ZSKSS), in cooperation with the Association of Scout and Guides Fellowships (ZBOKSS) and the Association of Slovenian Scouts in Italy, traditionally brought the Peace Light from Bethlehem to the National Assembly. The motto of this year’s Peace Light action is “Do not be afraid to burn”. 

16 December
The National Assembly opened the 14th regular session with parliamentary questions and motions and moved on discussing 14 agenda items. 

13 December
Former Presidents of the National Assembly gathered for a meeting in the National Assembly hosted by the current President Dejan Židan. 

11 December
The Committee on Justice organised a public hearing on the Draft Act Amending the Penal Code (KZ-1F), EPA 717-VIII.

Deputy-Chair of the Committee Meira Hot initially pointed out that they wish to acquire a wider range of opinions on the proposal for abolition of limitation periods for offenses against sexual inviolability. She pointed out several important questions related to this topic: how do these offences influence the victims’ mental health in the long term; how does the victim’s age influence his/her ability to confront the offense; is it necessary to change the compulsion model for such offenses and similar other questions.

10 December
The Women Parliamentarians Club led by Bojana Muršič organised a round table with the title “Ensuring gender balance in regulating passive suffrage in the planned reform of the electoral law”.

4–6 December
On the invitation by the president of the Friendship Group with the Republic of Serbia Predrag Bakovič, an official visit was returned by the delegation of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Slovenia from the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia headed by the president of the group Milija Miletić. 

The visit aimed to consolidate good relations between the countries and share opinions between the legislative bodies. 

4 December
The National Assembly and the Society of Deputies 90 organised a solemn academy for the 30th anniversary of the adoption of constitutional amendments which represented the basis for claiming the right of the Slovenian nation to self-determination, party pluralism and democracy.

3 December
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the National Assembly hosted a photographic exhibition entitled “Love for Difference”, which was prepared by the Centre for Education, Rehabilitation and Training CIRIUS Kamnik in cooperation with the Janez Puhar Photo Society Kranj as a continuation of an international photo contest. 

In his special address on this occasion, President Dejan Židan emphasized the importance of empowering the persons with disabilities as individuals to lead an autonomous life and be able to create and contribute to our community. 

2 December
At the 30th extraordinary session, the Assembly reconsidered two acts vetoed by the National Council, i.e. the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia's Budget for 2020 and 2021 Act (ZIPRS2021) and the Act Regulating Measures Relating to Salaries and Other Labour Costs for 2020 and 2021 and other Measures in the Public Sector and Extraordinary Adjustment of Pensions (ZUPPJS2021). Both acts were approved with the appropriate majority.

 

November 2019

29 November
At the 29th extraordinary session, the Assembly discussed the Draft Act Amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act (ZPIZ-2I) and the Draft Act Amending the Labour Market Regulation Act (ZUTD-E) adopting both of them. 

26 November 
On invitation by President Dejan Židan, the Assembly received a visit by President of the Regional Council of the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Piero Mauro Zanin with delegation. 

22 November 
At the 28th extraordinary session, requested by a deputy group with Danijel Krivec as the first signer (Slovenian Democratic Party Deputy Group), the Assembly discussed the proposal for a recommendation on drinking water protection in the area of Ljubljana aquifer. 

20 November
On the occasion of Children’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, President Dejan Židan and UNICEF Junior Ambassador Arja Ela Hvala addressed the deputies. 
President Dejan Židan received the Executive Director of the Slovenia Foundation for UNICEF, the UNICEF Junior Ambassador, the Deputy Ombudsman, the President of the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth, the advocate for equality principle and the Chair of the Committee on Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Disability.

18 November–26 November 
The National Assembly held the 13th regular session with 21 items on the agenda. The session was opened with parliamentary questions.

The main focus was on the budget documents for the years 2020 and 2021 and acts which determine the rules for exercising state budget and some measures related to the budget. Upon an extensive debate, the National Assembly adopted the aforementioned documents with some amendments. 

Upon the veto by the National Council, the National Assembly reconsidered the 
Act on Judicial Protection Procedure for Former Holders of Eligible Liabilities of Banks (ZPSVIKOB) and adopted it with 47 votes FOR and 41 votes AGAINST. Furthermore, the Assembly reconsidered and adopted the Act Amending the Fiscal Balance Act (ZUJF-F) with 87 votes FOR and none against. It did not adopt the Act Amending the Social Assistance Benefits Act (ZSVarPre-H) — 39 votes FOR and 20 AGAINST.

18 November
On the occasion of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Europa Donna Slovenia society, the Slovene Oncological Society for Men OnkoMan and EuropaColon Slovenia society drew attention in the National Assembly to the breast cancer contraction, cancer among male population and pancreatic cancer. The societies representatives and guests were addressed by President Dejan Židan and Chair of the Committee on Health Franc Trček.

15 November 
In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, the Committee on Education, Science, Sport and Youth organised a public hearing on informed policies and systemic transformation of society entitled “Better Polices for a Better Society (Science for Politics, Politics for Science) – Towards Social Transformation”. Attendees were addressed by President Dejan Židan and State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport Jernej Štromajer.

The following speakers participated at the public hearing: representatives of institutions who support the work of the European Commission and European Parliament with their expert knowledge; foreign and national science institutes providing expert foundations for political decision-making in several fields (especially consultancy on climate changes, transition to circular economy, macro economy etc.). There was also a brief presentation of research activities in the National Assembly.
Furthermore, a meeting was held by the Committee on Education, Science, Sport and Youth, at which the importance and need for a systematic introduction of knowledge-based and informed policy making approach in Slovenia was pointed out. The Committee will begin the process of preparing the starting points to implement the mentioned approach in its work, taking into consideration the good practices in this field developed in the European Parliament and other national parliaments. 

14 November
The National Assembly organised the “Climate Agreement” conference in cooperation with the Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, climatologist Lučka Kajfež Bogataj, the Slovenian Foundation for Sustainable Development Umanotera and the National Assembly Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning.
Attendees were addressed by President Dejan Židan, Minster for the Environment and Spatial Planning Simon Zajc and representative of “Youth for Climate Justice” movement Aja Vrenjak. 
The conference was held in three panels: a panel with climatologist Lučka Kajfež Bogataj on measures for climate change adaptations, a panel with representative of non-governmental sector Andrej Gnezda (Umanotera) on climate change mitigation in transport and industry, and a panel with geographer, ecologist and academy member Dušan Plut (SASA) on finding ways for efficient, safe and carbon neutral energy production. 

13 November
The Committee on Justice held a public hearing on the Draft Act Amending the Integrity and Prevention of Corruption Act (ZIntPK-C). The public hearing aimed to collect views and opinions of the expert and general public on the legislative proposal as foundation for discussion in the Committee. 

11 and 15 November
On the occasion of the International Year of the Periodic Table, the National Assembly hosted the exhibition “Elements All Around Us”, organised by the National Institute for Chemistry in cooperation with the Unesco Office, the Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Technology, the Faculty of Education, the Kemikum Centre, the Slovenian Chemical Society and the House of Experiments. 

7 and 8 November
The members of the National Assembly delegation to the Parliamentary Dimension of the Central European Initiative (CEI)—head of the delegation Branko Grims and members Franc Trček and Maša Kociper—attended the meeting of the CEI Parliamentary Assembly in Rome. The meeting focused on infrastructure development in the region and on the role of parliaments, which contribute to the achievement of set goals by adopting relevant legislation.

7 November 
6 new district court judges were sworn in before the President of the National Assembly. 

6 November
The Committee on Health discussed the legislative proposal put forward by the Left Deputy Group to abolish supplementary health insurance. Due to the refusal of the proposal by coalition parties deputies, the Left pointed out that the agreement on Government cooperation and the related support to the minority Government could no longer be exercised.  

5 November
The National Council vetoed the new Social Assistance Benefits Act with which the Government wishes to abolish the work activity benefit.

4 November 
Having collected 5000 signatures, a group of voters submitted to the National Assembly 
Draft Act Amending the Act Fixing the Reimbursement Amounts for Work Related 
Expenses and Certain Other Receipts.

 

October 2019

30 October
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan appeared as keynote speaker at the celebration on Reformation Day.

25 October
The National Assembly celebrated the Day of Sovereignty with a message by the Vice President of the National Assembly Jože Tanko.

24–25 October
A National Assembly delegation comprised of President Dejan Židan, Chair of the National Assembly Delegation to PACE Andrej Šircelj and Secretary General Uršula Zore Tavčar attended the European Conference of Speakers at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

21–29 October
The National Assembly began its 12th regular session with parliamentary questions and motions and discussed 26 other agenda items, including the ‘tax legislative package’ that was discussed by urgent procedure.
It also discussed the draft Act on judicial protection of former holders of qualified bank liabilities and the amendments to the Public Finance Balance Act, raising the minimum hourly rate for student work. The National Assembly will need to vote on both Acts once more as the National Council tabled a suspensive veto on 28 October.
The National Assembly also considered and adopted the Draft National Assembly Act, which consolidates the National Assembly’s autonomy as the legislative branch of power. However, it did not adopt the proposed amendments to the Deputies Act.
Considerable time was devoted to discussing acts pertaining to the labour market, social security benefits, rights from public funds, disability and pension insurance, use of explosive and pyrotechnic articles, etc.
The National Assembly also performed the first reading of two acts providing for a state guarantee, namely for the second railway track between Divača and Koper and for a part of the third development axis.

17 October
The member of the European Court of Auditors Samo Jereb submitted the annual report of the European Court of Auditors to the President of the National Assembly.

17 October
At the request of a group of deputies (first signatory Danijel Krivec, SDS), the National Assembly held its 27th extraordinary session to discuss the government's measures on long-term care. The deputies required the debate after the Court of Audit had stated that the country was not successful in making social security services available.

13–17 October
The 141st Assembly of the Interparliamentary Union was held in Belgrade. The Assembly was attended by a delegation of the National Assembly led by President Dejan Židan and comprising the Head of the IPU National Group Matjaž Nemec, members of the Group Branislav Rajić and Iva Dimic, and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar.

8–18 October
The working bodies of the National Assembly discussed the budget documents for 2020 and 2021.

7 October
The National Assembly met at its 26th extraordinary session to discuss the draft budget memorandum for 2020 and 2021 and the draft budget for 2020 and 2021. The agenda also included the announcement that the office of minister without portfolio responsible for development, strategic projects and cohesion would be held by Alenka Bratušek. The National Assembly carried out the first reading of the draft laws amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act, the Road Transport Act and the Personal Income Tax Act.

2–4 October
At the invitation of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants of the Parliament of Montenegro, a delegation of the Committee on Foreign Policy composed of the Committee Chair Matjaž Nemec, Deputy Chair Monika Gregorčič and Committee member Nik Prebil paid an official visit to Montenegro. The delegation met with the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants, the Committee on European Integration, the Committee on Security and Defence, and the Friendship Group with Slovenia chaired by the Vice-President of the Parliament of Montenegro Branimir Gvozdenović. The delegation was also received by the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Ivan Brajović, the Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović. The delegation also met with representatives of the Slovenian community and Slovenian entrepreneurs in Montenegro.

 

September 2019

26 September 2019
On the 30th anniversary of the adoption of amendments IX to XC to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, which paved the way for an independent and democratic state, the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the members of the then Constitutional Affairs Commission: Miran Potrč, Valentin Dvojmoč, Milan Kučan, Miran Mihelčič, Anton Peršak, Ciril Ribičič, and Commission Secretary Jernej Rovšek. President Židan stressed that the National Assembly was well aware of the importance of the adoption of the 81 amendments that allowed a peaceful transition to parliamentary democracy and market economy.
At the beginning of the session, President Židan addressed the deputies stressing that “in the European context, the adoption of constitutional amendments was a unique example of a developmental change in the political and economic system, which highlighted the sovereignty of the Slovenian nation and the right for its democratically elected state bodies to decisively influence the status, rights and duties of Slovenia within then Yugoslavia”.

23 September 2019
The National Assembly began its 11th regular session with parliamentary questions and motions. The agenda of the session that lasted until 1 October included 17 items, among which: the draft Resolution on the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Slovenia, the draft Act amending the Act Regulating Adjustments of Transfers to Individuals and Households in the Republic of Slovenia, and the draft Act on the Judicial Protection of Former Holders of Qualified Liabilities. The National Assembly also determined the composition of the Commission of Inquiry dealing with the Franc Kangler case.
On the last day of the session, the Assembly took note of the resignation of Iztok Purič as Minister without portfolio responsible for development, strategic projects and cohesion, and proceeded with parliamentary questions that were answered by the President of the Government.

19 September 2019
The Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Food, led by its Deputy Chair Nina Maurovič, received a delegation from the Republic of Northern Macedonia.

18 September 2019
The Committee on Infrastructure, the Environment and Spatial Planning, led by its Chair Edvard Pavlič, received a delegation from the Committee on the Environment and Energy of the Parliament of Saxony-Anhalt.

17 and 18 September
The President of the National Assembly received the President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Syllouris, with delegation. The discussion focused on the position of smaller countries in the European Union. The two Presidents agreed on the importance of mutual cooperation in terms of promoting common interests, facilitating the achievement of goals, exchanging good practices and providing mutual support. They also discussed environmental and climate issues, the importance of stability in the Western Balkans and the significance of EU enlargement, as well as greater cooperation between the two countries in various areas of common interest, highlighting in particular the possibility of economic cooperation.
The Cypriot delegation also met with a joint delegation of the Committee on Foreign Policy, the Committee on EU Affairs and the Friendship Group with Cyprus.

12 September 
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Yang Chuantang, who was on an official visit to Slovenia hosted by the President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca.

12 September 
The members of the Committee of Defence led by Samo Bevk received the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.

9 September 
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia Inâra Műrniece. During their talk, she highlighted three reasons for visiting Slovenia: the desire to strengthen parliamentary cooperation (she was pleased that a Friendship Group with Latvia operated in the Slovenian Parliament); the desire for more intensive and frequent contacts and exchanges of visits between the two countries; and the wish for cooperation in the field of defence (Latvia has a lot to offer, e.g. an international environment, good military training facilities, etc. She also mentioned her recent visit to a military base where Slovenian soldiers were deployed).
They also discussed the possibilities of strengthening economic cooperation, emphasising in particular the cooperation between technologically advanced companies and agreeing that there is still much untapped potential for strengthening cooperation also in the wood processing industry, environment, culture and tourism.

6 September
The National Assembly hosted a roundtable entitled “Foundations of the Rule of Law”, co-organized by the National Assembly, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Slovenia, and the Ministry of Justice.
The roundtable was held in three sessions; the introductory session began with the speeches given by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and the Minister of Justice Andreja Katič, and keynote contributions by the President of the Supreme Court Damijan Florjančič and President of the Constitutional Court Rajko Knez. It was followed by a debate on “Human Rights in the System of Separation of Powers”, moderated by the first President of the Constitutional Court Peter Jambrek. The third session took the form of a public presentation of opinions and was moderated by the Chair of the Committee on Justice Blaž Pavlin.

4–6 September 
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Matjaž Nemec, the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Monika Gregorčič, the Chair of the Committee on Defence Samo Bevk and the Member of the Committee on Defence Matej Tonin attended the Interparliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP / CSDP) in Helsinki.

2 September 
During her official visit to Slovenia, the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan met with the President of the Republic of Estonia, Kersti Kljulaid. The two presidents addressed topics of common interest between the two countries: digitalization and cyber security, development and investment in high technology, climate change, the situation in the Western Balkans and the future of the EU, and the rule of law.

 

August 2019

30 August 
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan opened the Young Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), taking place under the title “Youth as a (Future) (Re)source”.

18 August 
At the invitation of the President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka, the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan visited Salzburg, the city of Mozart, and attended the 99th Summer Festival – the largest summer cultural event in Austria.
The two presidents met at a working meeting to consolidate the good relations between the two countries.

 

July 2019

27 July
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended the commemoration at the Russian Chapel near Vršič as honorary patron and keynote speaker.

23 July 
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the Governor of Burgenland Hans Peter Doskozil with delegation. The discussion focused on social policy, with particular emphasis on the importance of an effective European cohesion policy.

22 July 
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received a delegation of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN), consisting of the FUEN President Loránt Vincz, the member of the National Council of Carinthian Slovenes (NSKS) and FUEN Vice-President Angelika Mlinar, FUEN Advisor for the Minority SafePack Initiative Dénes András Nagy, President of the National Council of Carinthian Slovenes (NSKS) Valentin Inzko, President of the Community of Carinthian Slovenians (SSK) Bernard Sadovnik and President of the Council of Slovenian Organizations (SSO) Walter Bandelj.
The guests presented the Minority SafePack Initiative and their efforts to improve the situation of members of national communities. The Minority SafePack Initiative was created to improve the protection of people belonging to national and linguistic minorities and to enhance cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe. The initiative seeks to reach a comprehensive approach to the protection of national and linguistic minorities at the European level.

18 July
The National Assembly met at its 25th extraordinary session to vote again on the Draft Act amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act, following the National Council’s suspensive veto. The Act was not adopted. The National Assembly also voted again on the Act Amending the Real Estate Mediation Act, following the National Council’s suspensive veto. The Act was adopted.

16 July
The President of the National Assembly received the President of the Republic of Northern Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski, who was on an official visit to Slovenia. The discussion focused on the possible NATO accession by the Republic of Northern Macedonia and on the expectations about the start of its accession negotiations with the European Union.

9–12 July
The National Assembly met at its 10th regular session to discuss, inter alia, the Draft Act amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act, which was adopted by a majority of votes. The National Council passed a suspensive veto in relation to such Act. The National Assembly also adopted the Act Amending the Real Estate Mediation Act, in relation to which the National Council passed a suspensive veto.

9 July
The National Assembly and the National Council celebrated the 100th anniversary of the unification of Prekmurje Slovenes with their parent nation with a documentary film by Štefan Celec about the restless and dynamic time of unification of Prekmurje Slovenes with the parent nation, produced to mark this historic jubilee. The audience was addressed by the President of the National Assembly, the President of the National Council, and film director Štefan Celec.

8 July
The National Assembly hosted the exhibition “Slovenian ship in the Slovenian port”, thus marking the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the first ocean liner in Koper (7 December 1958). The eleven exhibition boards in Slovenian, Italian and English depicted the period from the idea to the implementation of the international seaport. The exhibition was prepared by the Regional Museum of Koper in cooperation with the Port of Koper. A documentary was also shown.

5 July
The Committee on Defence organised a public presentation of opinions on the Draft Resolution on Slovenia’s National Security Strategy.

4 July
The National Assembly hosted the XVIII traditional All-Slovenian meeting. The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly, the Minister without portfolio responsible for the relations with autochthonous Slovenian national communities in the neighbouring and other countries Peter Jožef Česnik, and the Deputy Chair of the Commission for Relations with Slovenes in Neighbouring and Other Countries Karla Urh. The programme included a musical performance by the Smrtnik girls from Carinthia.

2–3 July
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Maja Gojković, who was on an official visit to Slovenia. President Židan presented the current legislative activities, primarily concerning the internal operations of the National Assembly. The visit was also an opportunity to discuss the further development of interparliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations, including the promotion of economic cooperation. The delegations exchanged views on key internal policy themes, the current situation in the Western Balkans, the global political and security situation, and migration issues. They also highlighted the cooperation in the framework of regional initiatives

 

June 2019

27 June
A Friendship Group with the Republic of Slovenia of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation visited the National Assembly. The members of the Friendship Group held separate meetings with the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and the members of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Friendship Group with Russian Federation led by deputy Meira Hot.

26–27 June
The Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlen paid an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia and was accepted by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan. As keynote speakers they attended a round table entitled "The challenges of democracy and the rule of law in the European Union" held at the EU House. The Speaker of the Swedish Parliament was also received by deputy group leaders and the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Matjaž Nemec. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss further development of bilateral relations which, after ten years, are being reinforced at the highest parliamentary level. The delegations exchanged views on key domestic policy issues, focusing on the economy and social policy, current European affairs, the political situation after the European elections, migration, and the area of common strategic interest – the Western Balkans and the integration/membership of countries in Euro-Atlantic structures.

21 June
The National Assembly discussed the interpellation on the work and responsibilities of the Minister of Defence Karl Viktor Erjavec, rejecting it with 39 votes against and 35 in favour.

21–22 June
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan who also heads the National Assembly delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP PA), attended the plenary session of the Assembly in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the delegation. At the SEECP PA plenary session he contributed to the debate on "Better connectivity for a better life – how to bring about a real change within regional cooperation process?" Before the closing of the session, the Parliamentary Assembly adopted the final declaration. The SEECP Parliamentary Assembly's mission is to enhance cooperation and coordinate activities among the parliaments of participating States with the aim of ensuring peace, security, stability and cooperation within the region.

17 June
At the end of 2018, the Slovenian bobbin lacemaking tradition was listed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This important achievement was marked at the National Assembly by an exhibition of bobbin lace made by members of the Bobbin Lace Society Deteljica Gorenja vas, whose central theme was the story Flowers in Autumn by Ivan Tavčar.

17–20 June
The National Assembly met at its 9th regular session at which, among other things, the deputies discussed and decided on the Draft Act on Taking the Specimens of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) and Wolf (Canis lupus) from the wild, urgent procedure, and adopted it by a large majority. The deputies also discussed the Act Amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act, first reading. Mojca Prelesnik was reappointed the Information Commissioner by a majority of votes cast. Moreover, the National Assembly decided on the Proposal for the election of the Constitutional Court judge, and appointed Rok Čeferin.

14 June
The National Assembly joined the Museum Summer Night for the ninth time. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the parliamentary building, which was also the central theme of the exhibition.  Visitors and guests were addressed the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zora Tavčar. The Museum Summer Night was organised by the Slovenian Museum Association, the National Liberation Museum Maribor and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.

6 June
A celebration of Primož Trubar Day was held in the National Assembly, organised by the Committee on Culture and the National Council. The audience was addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, the President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca and the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Culture Marko Bandelli. The event was accompanied by the performance of the parliamentary choir Kvorum.

5–6 June
The President of the Assembly of Montenegro Ivan Brajović was on an official visit to the National Assembly, where he was received by his host, President Židan. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the development of bilateral relations, especially at the parliamentary level, and to exchange views on some key political issues, such as the Western Balkans and the membership in Euro-Atlantic integrations. President Brajović was also received by deputy group leaders as well as by a joint delegation of the Committee on EU Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Policy and the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Montenegro.

5 June
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition about Emil Korytko, a young Polish exile who had cultural ties with Slovenia and was a friend of our greatest poet France Prešeren. The audience was addressed by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor and the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. The cultural programme included a performance by soprano Izabela Kniaź, accompanied by pianist Tadej Horvat. The exhibition and life of Emil Korytko was presented by Prof. Nikolaj Jež.

4–5 June
The Vice-President of the National Assembly Branko Simonovič attended the Summit of Speakers of Central and East European Parliaments held in Warsaw, Poland, where he participated in the discussion with the contribution “Central and Eastern Europe facing the challenges of modern times”.

3 June
The National Assembly set up an exhibition dedicated to the young Polish exile Emil Korytko. The exhibition was organised by the National Council in cooperation with the National Assembly, the Faculty of Arts, the National and University Library and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

 

May 2019

31 May
President Židan received the President of the Fiscal Council Davorin Kračun, who submitted the Council’s annual report.

The National Assembly hosted the first open seminar for teachers of elementary schools entitled “Active citizenship - the National Assembly opens its doors”. The seminar was organised by the National Assembly, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and the National Education Institute. Participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, the Minister of Education, Science and Sport Jernej Pikalo and the Director of the National Education Institute Vinko Logaj.

30 May
President Židan received the President of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption Boris Štefanec, who submitted the Commission’s annual report.

29–30 May
The Parliamentary Friendship Group with Poland, led by Suzana Lep Šimenko, hosted a delegation of the Polish-Slovenian Parliamentary Group from the Sejm of Poland, led by the Chair of the group Kazimierz Gwiazdowski. The delegation also held separate meetings with the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, members of the Committee on Culture, of the Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning and President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca. Moreover, the delegation was received by the members of the Committee on Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Local Self-Government, led by Zvonko Černač.

29 May
President Židan received a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, led by its President Alia Bouran. She stressed the key role of this interparliamentary organisation, which also supports the work of other international bodies responsible for promoting security, stability and peace in the Euro-Mediterranean region. She also highlighted environment and climate change as important topics of cooperation, as well as migrations and other political and socio-economic issues of common interest.

28 May
President Židan received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Northern Macedonia Zoran Zaev, who was on an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia.

23 May
President Židan received the President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Väinämö Niinistö, who was on an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia. The two Presidents discussed the priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council starting on 1 July, among which is climate change. The Presidents also touched upon the future of the EU, Brexit and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

22 May
President Židan met with the President of the Supreme Court Damijan Florjančič, who submitted the annual report on the efficiency and effectiveness of courts for 2018.

20–28 May
The National Assembly held its 8th regular session. The agenda included 19 items.

20 May
The National Assembly set up an exhibition to mark the World Bee Day. The exhibits included documents related to the idea of the International Bee Day, government decisions, letters from the ministries, materials prepared for the World Beekeeping Organization – Apimundia, and letters of support from the FAO member states. During the official visit by the President of the National Council of the Swiss Confederation to the Republic of Slovenia, also President Židan and the President of the National Council of the Swiss Confederation Marina Carobbio Guscetti attended the exhibition.

19–21 May
President Židan received the President of the National Council of the Swiss Confederation Marina Carobbio Guscetti, who was on official visit to the Republic of Slovenia.

17 May
The National Assembly held its 23rd extraordinary session to discuss the Draft Recommendation concerning the anomalies in the public sector wage system.

13 May
The National Assembly held its 22nd extraordinary session to discuss and vote on amendments in the law on real estate registration and valuation. The Assembly also discussed the Draft Recommendation to the national authorities concerning abuses in the Judiciary and influences on independent judicial decisions.

9 May
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Walter Steinmeier. The meeting was attended also by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Matjaž Nemec and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Germany Branko Grims. The Presidents discussed the good relations between the two countries, the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament, and the joint call for a meeting of twenty-one (21) European Presidents before the elections to the European Parliament, as a joint effort of the Member States to increase participation in the elections.

The National Assembly celebrated Europe Day. The audience was addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Igor Peček. The cultural part of the programme featured a performance by the parliamentary choir Kvorum.

6 May
The President of the National Assembly received the Advocate of the Principle of Equality Miha Lobnik, who presented the Advocate’s Report for 2018.

 

April 2019

25 April
The 21st extraordinary session was held in the National Assembly, at which the deputies discussed and adopted the Draft Act amending the Personal Income Tax Act (ZDoh-2V), the Draft Act amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act (ZPIZ-2G), and the Draft Act amending the Social Security Act (ZSV-I). The drafts acts were adopted, thus ensuring that the net pay for annual leave would be higher already this year.

23 April
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received students and mentors from Rudolf Maister Gimnazija Kamnik and II. Gimnazija Maribor schools, who had taken part in the 14th Youth Parliament of the Alpine Convention (YPAC) in Merano, Italy, in March.
The main topic thereof was “How to tackle climate change”. The students had been divided into four panels discussing issues related to ecology, health, human rights and youth political participation. The YPAC had accepted postulates which the students presented to the President of the National Assembly.
In the context of the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, they also discussed the possibility of reducing voting age to 16 years.

15–16 April
The National Assembly held its 7th regular session to discuss eight agenda items. Among other things, the National Assembly adopted the Act amending the Public Holidays and Work-off Days in the Republic of Slovenia Act, whereby it renamed the Day of Restoration of the Littoral Region to the Motherland. The National Council had passed a suspensory veto on such Act at the 4th session.

15 April
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the US Congressman Paul A. Gosar. They discussed the political system in Slovenia and the US and the current political developments in both countries. President Židan expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the House Friends of Slovenia Caucus. In the National Assembly, the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the US has been operating since 1993. The Congressman also met with the members of the Group, headed by the Group Chair Matjaž Nemec.

The National Assembly put up an exhibition of hitherto elected Members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Slovenia. The exhibition was prepared by Europe Direct Savinjska Information Centre.

11 April
In the framework of the celebration of the International Romani Day, a ceremony was held in the National Assembly. The cultural programme included performances by Romani children from the preparatory kindergarten and the multipurpose centre in the Romani settlement Kerinov grm in the Municipality of Krško, which are part of the project Together for Knowledge. The project was presented in more detail by the project leader dr. Barbara Kejžar.

9 April
The Committee on Foreign Policy chaired by Matjaž Nemec received the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Josep Borrell.

8–12 April
The Head of the National Assembly Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Andrej Šircelj and member Violeta Tomić attended the spring session of the PACE in Strasbourg.

8–9 April
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments in Vienna, Austria.
The discussions focused on the EU and its neighbouring countries, with particular emphasis on the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, as well as on the EU before the 2019 elections, namely on the further development of cooperation between national parliaments and EU institutions.

8 April
The National Assembly hosted the 29th national children’s parliament, traditionally organised by the Friends of Youth association. The main topic this year was ‘Schooling and the Education System’, which the participants discussed in four panels: ‘School for Life’, ‘Relations in Schools’, ‘Teaching/Learning Methods’ and ‘Teaching Content’.
The young parliamentarians and their mentors were addressed by the Vice-President of the National Assembly Tina Heferle.
 
On the occasion of the International Romani Day, the National Assembly set up a photo exhibition titled ‘All children are our children – Sa čhavora hile mengare čhavora’, with photos provided by Boštjan Colarič, Julija Minet and Charlene Bijou and staff photo archives.

5–10 April
The National Assembly’s delegation composed of Iva Dimic, Suzana Lep Šimenko and Vojko Starović attended the 140th IPU Assembly in Doha, Qatar.

5 April
The National Assembly hosted a roundtable on the culture of dialogue and hate speech, organised by the Students Organisation of Slovenia. The participants were addressed by the Vice-President of the National Assembly Tina Heferle.

The Commission for Slovenes in Neighbouring and Other Countries chaired by Ljudmila Novak received the teachers who offer remedial courses of Slovene abroad.

 

March 2019

27 March
The members of the Committee on Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Disability and of the Committee on Health received the members of the Committee for Health, Labour and Social Welfare of the Assembly of the Republic of Montenegro.

25–28 March
The deputies met at the 6th regular session to discuss 10 agenda items. Among other things, they appointed Simon Zajc as Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning and Aleš Šabeder as Minister of Health.

22 March
The National Assembly set up an exhibition on Karst Shepherds – the oldest Slovenian autochthonous dog breed, which is under special protection by the state. The author of the exhibition is academic painter Blaž Vehovar.

A round table entitled “Using knowledge and entrepreneurship to decide the future of the European Union” was held at the National Assembly under the Active Citizenship project.

21 March
The National Assembly held a public presentation of opinions on the construction and management of the second track of the Divača-Koper railway line, organised by the Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning. The purpose of the event was to obtain opinions and views of the expert and general public regarding the construction and management of the second track of the Divača-Koper railway line.

A delegation of the Committee on Human Rights and Freedoms of the Assembly of Montenegro was on a working visit to the National Assembly. The delegation met with the Commission for Petitions, Human Rights and Equal Opportunities chaired by Eva Irgl.

20 March
The National Assembly met at its 20th extraordinary session, where it voted again on the Act amending the Budget Implementation Act for 2018 and 2019 and adopted it by a majority of votes.
At the session, the National Assembly also discussed by urgent procedure the draft Act Regulating Certain Issues regarding the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from European Union without the Withdrawal Agreement (ZUVIZK). 50 deputies voted for and 4 deputies voted against the draft Act. The President of the Government informed the National Assembly about the resignation of Samo Fakin from the office of Minister of Health and the resignation of Jure Leben from the office of Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning.

19–21 March
A delegation of the Austria-Slovenia Friendship Group from the Austrian parliament, led by its Chair Martina Kaufmann, was on an official visit to Slovenia. The delegation met with the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, the members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Austria, the members of the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Food, and the members of the Committee on Education, Science, Sport and Youth.

19 March
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended the 16th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) held in Budva, Montenegro, and contributed to the debate on the main topics of the conference: “Tourism and culture as a common denominator, advantage and strategic commitment of the AII states” and “Parliamentary bodies as an important resource for strengthening cooperation in priority areas of the AII states”. At bilateral meetings, President Židan met with the presidents of the parliaments of the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Northern Macedonia and the Republic of Montenegro. The common denominator of all such meetings was bringing these countries closer to the European Union and to the Euro-Atlantic structures.

11 March
At the Ljubljana Castle, the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev. The Presidents discussed the relations between the two countries in various fields, as well as the future and challenges of the European Union.

7 March
The ‘Day with a female MP’ was organised by the Women Parliamentarians Club for the second time already. The purpose of the event was to encourage young women to enter politics. The participants also attended the meeting of the Women Parliamentarians Club, where a debate on “Women in Politics” was taking place.

6 March
The President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka with delegation was on an official visit to Slovenia at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan. The Presidents discussed good bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various areas of common interest. They agreed that the countries share the same vision of the European Union, which should be successful, efficient and supportive, as well as the interest in the stability of the Western Balkans. President Sobotka signed the Golden Book of Guests and attended the plenary session in the Great Hall, where he was welcomed by the deputies of the National Assembly.

4 March
The National Assembly celebrated the 60th anniversary of the parliamentary building. The audience was addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca, and Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar. The event was attended by some of the stonecutters from Kopriva na Krasu and Hotavlje who collaborated in the construction of the Palace of the People's Assembly, by the author of the book ‘Kraški kruh’ Božidar Premrl and by Tomaž Sajovic, a Slovenian linguist and pedagogue who in 1957 had posed to sculptor Karl Putrih for one of the bronze statues displayed on the building’s portal.

4–8 March
At its 5th regular session, the National Assembly adopted the revised budget of the Republic of Slovenia for 2019 and the Act amending the Implementation of the Budgets of the Republic of Slovenia for 2018 and 2019. The National Assembly also adopted the Draft Declaration on the activities of the Republic of Slovenia in the institutions of the European Union for the period January 2019 – June 2020. Moreover, the National Assembly passed the Decision on the composition and appointment of the Chair, Deputy Chair, members and alternates of the Commission of Inquiry to determine the abuses and uneconomical practices in the BAMC. The Commission will be chaired by Anže Logar (SDS). The National Assembly confirmed the election of Nik Prebil (LMŠ) to replace Darij Krajčič, who resigned. In addition, the National Assembly appointed Zoran Poznič as Minister of Culture and elected Marko Pavliha as candidate for judge at the General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg.

 

February 2019

27 February
Under the project Active Citizenship and before the May European elections, a public tribune was held at the National Assembly in cooperation with several youth organisations (Youth Council of Slovenia, Student Organisation of Slovenia, School Student Organisation of Slovenia, MaMa Youth Network, Youth Plus Union and the European Parliament Office in Slovenia). The debate took place in three panels; “Collaboration and participation of young people in the management of public affairs”, “Education and employment” and “In what Europe do we want to live?”.

25 February
Members of the Committee on EU Affairs headed by Committee Chair Darij Krajčič, members of the Committee on Finance headed by Committee Chair Robert Polnar and members of the Committee on the Economy headed by Committee Chair Gregor Perič received the European Commissioner for Competition Margretha Vestager.

23 February
As part of the events on the 60th anniversary of the parliamentary building, the National Assembly opened its Instagram profile at @drzavnizbor. The posts are intended to enhance the National Assembly’s reputation. They will present the parliamentary building and its architectural and artistic heritage and mark national holidays and important anniversaries related to the formation and development of the Slovenian state.

21 February
The President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia Dejan Židan and President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary Lászlo Kövér were on a joint visit to Prekmurje and Porabje. The presidents met with the representatives of the Slovenian minority in Hungary and visited the bilingual school of Gornji Senik. This was the first such meeting of two Presidents of parliaments in the history of Slovenia and Hungary.

20 February
Human Rights Ombudsman Vlasta Nussdorfer submitted to the President of the National Assembly the Ombudsman’s annual report for 2018. She also delivered the report of the National Preventive Mechanism for 2018 and a review of the implementation of the recommendations during her term of office.

19 February
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI) Roberto Antonione with delegation.
The CEI Secretary General was also received by the Chair of the National Assembly’s delegation to the CEI Parliamentary Dimension Branko Grims and member Maša Kociper.

The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received traditional carnival masks from Ptuj, headed by the kurenti.

14 February
At the 60th anniversary of bilingual schooling in Prekmurje, the National Assembly convened a conference titled “Bilingual Schooling – a View from Multiple Prospects”. The conference was organised by the Commission for National Communities. The participants were welcomed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, the Chair of the Commission for National Communities Ferenc Horváth, the Deputy Chair of the Commission Felice Žiža and the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary. The event was an opportunity to familiarise the general public with the mentioned topic, as well as an opportunity to exchange views and find solutions to open issues in this field.

11 February
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Talat Xhaferi. The next day, President Xhaferi addressed the deputies at an extraordinary session, at which the National Assembly ratified the accession protocol of North Macedonia to NATO.

6 February
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the Federal Council of the Republic of Austria Ingo Appé. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the procedure for entering the right to drinking water in the Constitution, which Slovenia, as the second country in the EU, carried out in 2016.

5 February
A round table entitled “Long-Term Care” was organised by the Women Parliamentarians Club and led by the its chairwoman Bojana Muršič. The participants were addressed by the National Assembly’s President Dejan Židan and Vice-President Tina Heferle, who is also a member of the Club. Specialists in health and social care and other experts in long-term care were invited to the round table to exchange opinions, suggestions and examples of good practice.

 

January 2019

 

31 January
The members of the Women Parliamentarians Club received women mayors of Slovenian municipalities. The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and the Chair of the Women Parliamentarians Club Suzana Lep Šimenko who presented, as a preliminary point, the work and principal activities of the Club.

28–31 January
The National Assembly held its 4th regular session at which the deputies discussed 20 agenda items.The National Assembly discussed a proposal to impeach the President of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia before the Constitutional Court on charges of violation of the Constitution and serious violations of law requested by a group of deputies with Danijel Krivec (SDS) as the first-signed and rejected it by a majority vote. It also rejected, inter alia, a motion to call a consultative referendum on addressing migration proposed by a group of deputies with Danijel Krivec (SDS) as the first-signed. The National Assembly adopted a decision on the composition of two commissions of inquiry, namely: the Decision on the composition and appointment of the chair (Jani (Janko) Möderndorfer), deputy chair, members and alternate members of the Commission of Inquiry for investigating the alleged money laundering in Nova Kreditna banka Maribor, d. d., the suspected unlawful financing of the Slovenian Democratic Party and the suspected illegal financing of the election campaign for the early elections to the National Assembly in 2018, and the Decision on the composition and appointment of the chair (Jelka Godec), deputy chair, members and alternate members of the Commission of Inquiry for determining the responsibility of holders of public office in the child cardiology programme and procurement of medical supplies and equipment.Furthermore, on the proposal of a group of deputies with Jožef Horvat (NSi) as the first-signed, it discussed and adopted the Act Ordering a Parliamentary Inquiry for determining and assessing the actual state of affairs to determine the political responsibility of holders of public office with regard to the allegation that they indirectly or directly influenced the uneconomic and unlawful decisions of the Bank Asset Management Company (hereinafter: DUTB) in relation to the transfer, management and sale of banks’ claims or other assets, other measures within its competence and the management of the company, influenced the decisions of the Bank of Slovenia, the Government, the National Assembly, other state bodies, and the decisions of other domestic and foreign legal entities associated with the transfer, purchase, sale and management of banks’ claims or other assets of DUTB.The National Assembly decided on the proposal of the President of the Republic Borut Pahor to elect Peter Svetina as Human Rights Ombudsman. The deputies approved the proposal unanimously.

24 January
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and his delegation met with the representatives of the autochthonous Slovenian national community and representatives of the autonomous region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Trieste. The delegation of the President of the National Assembly also included the Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Italian Republic Meira Hot and member of the Italian national community Felice Žiža. The Slovenian delegation also met with the President of the Regional Council of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Piero Mauro Zanin, the President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Massimiliano Fedriga and the Mayor of Trieste Robert Dipiazza. They also visited the editorial office of Primorski dnevnik daily newspaper and the Central European Institute of History and Culture Josip Pangerc.

23 January
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee. She was also welcomed by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Matjaž Nemec and the Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs Darij Krajčič.      

21–25 January
Delegation of the National Assembly composed of the Head Andrej Šircelj, members Milan Brglez and Violeta Tomič, alternate members Andreja Zabret, and Maša Kociper (PACE), attended the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, France.

21 January
A consultation was held in the National Assembly entitled "Active Citizenship: Why vote in the EU Elections". The consultation was attended by all eight Slovenian Members of the European Parliament; Franc Bogovič, Tanja Fajon, Alojz Peterle, Igor Šoltes, Patricija Šulin, Romana Tomc, Ivo Vajgl and Milan Zver. The participants were addressed by the host, the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan, who also expressed thanks for their cooperation.

11 January
The National Assembly held a public hearing on the importance of science, research and innovation for the social and economic development of Slovenia, organised by the Committee on Education, Science, Sport and Youth. The purpose of the public hearing was to obtain opinions and views of the expert and general public regarding the abovementioned areas, as a basis for the preparation of the draft Scientific Research Act.

10 January
The National Assembly hosted a formal academy on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Slovenia's membership in the Council of Europe, organised by the National Assembly and the Društvo poslancev 90 – an association of former deputies. The audience was welcomed by the association’s President Mitja Slavinec. The formal address by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan was followed by speeches of former deputies Lojze Peterle, Darja Lavtižar Bebler and Ivo Hvalica. The event featured the performance of the Parliament Dixie Band.

9 January
The President of the National Assembly received the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, who was on an official visit to Slovenia. The two Presidents discussed the future of the EU and the forthcoming European elections, the health system of both countries, the importance of improving health care for citizens, as well as developments in the Middle East and other international topical issues, including the strengthening of interparliamentary cooperation.

8 January
The President of the National Assembly received the carol singers from the Missionary Centre of Slovenia. According to ancient traditions, carol singers bring peace, courage and blessing, and accept gifts for charity. Currently, they are raising funds for several projects of Slovenian missionaries.

December 2018

21 December
The National Assembly met at its 18th extraordinary session at which the deputies discussed and adopted the Draft Act Amending the Act Regulating the Compensation for Damage Sustained as a Result of Erasure from the Register of Permanent Residents, second reading, and the Draft  Ordinance on the framework for the preparation of the general government budget for the 2018–2020 period.

A solemn session on the occasion of Independence and Unity Day was held at the National Assembly at which the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan was the formal speaker.
The accompanying cultural programme included the Accordion Duo Miha Debevec and Dejan Kušer and the parliamentary choir Kvorum under the direction of the choirmaster Ana Maria Beguš.

20 December
The National Assembly and the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association jointly organised a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the proclamation of World Bee Day by the United Nations which was held in the lobby of the National Assembly's Grand Hall.
The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan and the President of the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association Boštjan Noč.

18 December
The Peace Light of Bethlehem was traditionally brought to the National Assembly by the representatives of the Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association. The participants were addressed by the Vice-President of the National Assembly Branko Simonovič.

17 December
A cultural ceremony was held at the National Assembly marking the 100th anniversary of Ivan Cankar – one of Slovenia's greatest writers.
The participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan. The writer's life and work were presented by Igor Grdina, a great connoisseur of Cankar, Violeta Tomić performed a recital of Cankar's works, and the celebration also included a music performance by young musicians.

14 December
The National Assembly met at the 3rd regular session at which the deputies discussed, among other things, the Draft Act Amending the Public Sector Salary System Act, by urgent procedure, and adopted it.
Moreover, at the proposal of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, they also appointed Boštjan Vasle as Governor – member of the Governing Board of the Bank of Slovenia by a majority of votes.
On the proposal by the Government, the deputies endorsed Iztok Purić as Minister without portfolio responsible for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion.

13 December
The National Assembly held its 17th extraordinary session at which the deputies discussed the Draft Act Amending the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia's Budget for 2018 and 2019 Act, by urgent procedure, and the Draft Act Amending the Minimum Wage Act, second reading, and adopted them.
They also discussed the Draft Act Amending the Act Regulating the Compensation for Damage Sustained as a Result of Erasure from the Register of Permanent Residents, first reading.

The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended the oral pronouncement of the Constitutional Court's decision in the procedure for the review of the constitutionality of Article 4 of the Act Establishing Constituencies for the Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and of some other articles of the National Assembly Elections Act.

11–12 December
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan paid an official visit to the Republic of Serbia together with the Chair of the National Assembly's Commission for Public Finance Control Anže Logar and the Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Serbia Predrag Baković.
The President of the National Assembly and delegation met with the Speaker Maja Gojković at the Serbian National Assembly and signed a Memorandum of Understanding Between the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. They emphasised that the relations between the two countries were excellent, and expressed satisfaction that the two parliamentary friendship groups were formed in both countries.
President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan also met with the delegation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić.
During the visit, the members of the delegation attended a reception celebrating the opening of Five Days of Slovenian Film and 100th anniversary of the death of Ivan Cankar, where they met with representatives of the Slovenian community, representatives of the Slovenian economy and other guests in the field of culture in the Republic of Serbia.

7 December
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan paid a working visit to Portugal where he met with the President of the Portuguese Parliament Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, the Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Anton Costa and other high representatives of the Portuguese Republic.
The main topics of discussion were the current challenges and future of the European Union. The visit was also an opportunity to discuss the priorities of the next EU Council Presidency during which the two countries, together with Germany, will form the Troika.

6 December
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan met with the President of Government Catalonia Quim Torro. The President of the Government also met with the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy Matjaž Nemec and the committee members.

5 December
The National Assembly met at its 14th extraordinary session at which the deputies discussed the Proposal for a recommendation concerning the responsibility of the Government of Miro Cerar as the assembly body of the Slovenian Sovereign Holding for the damage caused to Slovene taxpayers due to delays from December 2016 to November 2018 in the sale of a majority stake in NLB d. d.
After the concluded 14th extraordinary session, the 16th extraordinary session was held at which the deputies discussed the Draft Act Amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act, first reading, which was submitted into legislative procedure by a group of deputies. The National Assembly concluded that it was not suitable for further consideration.

1 December
Nataša Sukič, member of the National Assembly delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), attended the SEECP PA Standing Committee meeting. The meeting was held in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

 

November 2018

29 November
The 15th extraordinary session was held. The deputies discussed two draft acts. The Act amending the Minimum Wage Act was approved by a majority vote as appropriate for further consideration. The Act amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act was rejected and the legislative procedure in this case was terminated.

26–28 November
The Chair of the Women Parliamentarians Club Suzana Lep Šimenko (SDS) and Deputy Chair Andreja Zabret (LMŠ) attended the annual Women Leaders Global Forum held in Reykjavík.

27 November
At the 2nd regular session, the National Assembly also discussed the proposal by the President of the Republic for the election of a judge of the Constitutional Court. Katja Šugman Stubbs was elected judge of the Constitutional Court by a majority of all deputies.

22 November

The President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Dejan Židan, delivered a formal address on the occasion of Rudolf Maister Day and the 100th anniversary of the battles for the northern border.

The President's address in English language. (PDF 294 KB)

21 November
The National Assembly held its 13th extraordinary session to discuss the Draft recommendation on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and on informing the public and the National Assembly of international commitments relating to international illegal migration.

20 November
The Chair of the Commission for the National Communities, Ferenc Horváth, received the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Péter Szijiártó.

19–28 November
The National Assembly held the 2nd regular session. The deputies discussed and adopted by a majority of votes the Report of the Ombudsman for Human Rights on the implementation of the commitments from the national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment for 2017, with a draft recommendation and the 23rd regular annual report of the Ombudsman for Human Rights for 2017 with a draft recommendation. The annual financial statement of the national budget for 2017 was also confirmed.

At the session, the National Assembly decided again on the Real Estate Brokerage Act, in relation to which the National Council tabled a request for a suspensory veto in the previous parliamentary term (20 March 2018). The Act was not adopted.

16 November
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Agricultural Education Community in Bleiburg, Austria. On this occasion, he also met with the Governor of Carinthia Peter Kaiser and representatives of the Slovenian national community in Carinthia.

9 November
The National Assembly held its 12th extraordinary session to discuss the Draft recommendation on the absorption of European cohesion funds under the Financial Perspective 2014-2020. It recommended to the Government to prepare a plan for accelerating the absorption of Cohesion Policy funding within 30 days and present it to the National Assembly.
The deputies also discussed and adopted by a majority vote the Act amending the Social Assistance Benefits Act.

 

October 2018

19 October
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the Hungarian President János Áder, who was on an official visit to Slovenia. The discussion, which focused on migration, was also joined by the Chair of the Commission for the National Communities Ferenc Horváth.

14–18 October
The 139th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union took place in Geneva (Switzerland). The meeting was attended by Branislav Rajić, Head of the National Assembly’s Delegation to the IPU, who participated in the general debate and in the discussion within the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights to present the Slovenian perspective on the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation to improve international migration governance.

9 October
The National Assembly met at its 10th extraordinary session to vote on the proposal by the President of the Republic to appoint Primož Dolenc as Governor of the Bank of Slovenia. The proposed candidate received 30 votes but would have needed 46 to be elected.

The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who was on an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia at the invitation of the President of the Government Marjan Šarec. Secretary General Stoltenberg addressed the Assembly, stressing that he appreciated Slovenia's commitment to NATO and its contribution to overall security.

6 October
The Slovenian member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Andrej Šircelj and alternate member Violeta Tomić attended the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) held in Strasbourg.

5 October  
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan attended the 5th Conference of Danube Parliamentarians held in Budapest. The conference focused on the mitigation of the effects of climate change on agriculture and on the issue of up-to-date water management and water use systems.
President Židan held a speech during the first panel on climate change and agriculture. On the margins of the conference, President Židan held bilateral meetings with the President of the Hungarian Parliament Lászl Kövér and the President of the Serbian National Assembly Maja Gojković. He also briefly met with the advocate of the Slovenian national community in the Hungarian Parliament Erika Köles Kiss.

Deputy Milan Brglez attended the interparliamentary conference “Transforming the Western Balkans region – a parliamentary perspective on the role and the future of EU accession process”, held in Sofia (Bulgaria), where he joined the debate on regional cooperation on behalf of the SEECP PA Troika.

 

September 2018

26 September
The National Assembly held its 9th extraordinary session to confirm the election of the deputies replacing the deputies who had been appointed ministers or President of the Government. In the LMŠ Deputy Group, Marjan Šarec was replaced by Karla Urh (the National Assembly had confirmed her election already at the 6th extraordinary session) and Rudi Medved was replaced by Nina Maurovič. In the SMC Deputy Group, Miro (Miroslav) Cerar was replaced by Jani (Janko) Möderndorfer, while Zdravko Počivalšek was replaced by Gregor Židan. In the SAB Deputy Group, Peter Jožef Česnik was replaced by Maša Kociper, while Marko Bandelli was replaced by Andrej Šušmelj. Later on in the session, the Assembly discussed the Draft Recommendation on the issue of harmful and devastating measures against Slovenian entrepreneurs, which had been agreed in the coalition agreement, and the attacks on or threats to the Slovenian economy and hence to the welfare of all citizens.

25 September
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan paid a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia. The delegation also included the deputies Iva Dimic and Darij Krajčič and the Secretary General of the National Assembly Uršula Zore Tavčar. The delegation was received by the President of the Macedonian Parliament Talat Xhaferi. The Slovenian delegation met with the Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev, while President Židan also met with the leader of the Macedonian opposition VMRO-DPMNE Hristijan Mickoski, stressing that “the agreement with Greece and Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration will enable the preservation of the Macedonian language and identity, faster economic growth, and greater prosperity for all citizens”. The Slovenian delegation concluded the working visit in a meeting with representatives of Slovenian companies and associations operating in Macedonia. President Židan also met with the Head of the EU Delegation to Macedonia Samuel Žbogar and the Head of the NATO Military Liaison Office in Skopje Captain Gorazd Bartol. The discussion focused primarily on the future of Macedonia in the European Union and on its accession to NATO.

13 September
At the 8th extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the deputies approved by a majority of votes the proposed list of candidates for ministers of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia led by Marjan Šarec (LMŠ).

12 September
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the Macedonian Minister without portfolio in charge of diaspora affairs Edmond Ademi. They emphasised good parliamentary cooperation between the two countries and the importance of a successful upcoming referendum concerning the name of Macedonia. The solution of this issue is a step forward toward Macedonia's membership in the NATO and the EU, which will lead to greater economic progress, prosperity, security and stability of the country.

10 September
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the EU Chief Negotiator for Brexit Michel Barnier to discuss the current state of negotiations on the United Kingdom exiting the European Union. Chief Negotiator Barnier also met with the members of the Committee on EU Affairs and of the Committee on Foreign Policy.

4 September
The official meeting between the President of the Republic Borut Pahor and the President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan took place in Vila Podrožnik.

 

August 2018

31 August
The President of the National Assembly Dejan Židan received the President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca.

29 August
At its 7th extraordinary session, the National Assembly adopted the Draft Ordinance on the Establishment and Tasks of National Assembly’s Working Bodies. Branko Simonovič (DeSUS) was elected Vice-President of the National Assembly with a majority of votes. Also with a majority of votes, Uršula Zore Tavčar was reappointed Secretary General of the National Assembly.

23 August
As the 5th extraordinary session continued, Tina Heferle (LMŠ) was elected Vice President of the National Assembly. The deputies discussed and adopted the Draft Ordinance amending the Ordinance on the framework for drafting general government budgets for the period 2018-2020, earmarking an additional EUR 35 million to shorten wait times in healthcare.

Later in the day, the National Assembly held its 6th extraordinary session. Jože Tanko (SDS) was elected Vice President of the National Assembly. Moreover, a secret ballot was held in which the deputies elected Dejan Židan (SD) as President of the National Assembly. The newly elected President gave a brief speech to thank the deputies for their support and election.

17 August
The National Assembly began its 5th extraordinary session. By a majority of votes, the deputies elected Marjan Šarec (LMŠ) as President of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

 

July 2018

27 July
At its 4th extraordinary session, the National Assembly took note of the notification by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor that he would not propose a candidate for the President of the Government, EPA 54-VIII.

19 July
The National Assembly met at its 3rd extraordinary session at which it adopted the Draft Act on the Protection of the Value of Capital Investment of the Republic of Slovenia in Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., urgent procedure, EPA 42-VIII, and the Decision declaring the results of another legislative referendum on the Act Regulating the Construction, Operation and Management of the Second Track of the Divača-Koper Railway Line.

13 July
The President of the National Assembly Matej Tonin called regular elections to municipal councils and regular elections of mayors.

11 July
The President of the National Assembly Matej Tonin received the President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca. The meeting was attended by the Secretary General of the National Assembly and the Secretary of the National Council.

10 July
The National Assembly met at its 2nd extraordinary session to adopt the draft Act amending the Medical Practitioners Act (ZZdrS-G).

3 July
The National Assembly met at its 1st extraordinary session to adopt the draft Ordinance on the Establishment and Tasks of National Assembly's Working Bodies (OdUNDTDZ-5), establishing three working bodies: Joint Committee, Committee on EU Affairs, and Committee on Foreign Policy.

 

June 2018

27 June
The President of the Republic Borut Pahor and the President of the National Assembly Matej Tonin met in Vila Podrožnik.

24 June
A solemn session on the occasion of Statehood Day took place in the Great Hall of the National Assembly. The audience was addressed by the President of the National Assembly Matej Tonin.

22 June
The deputies elected in early parliamentary elections of 3 June 2018 gathered for the first session of the National Assembly in the eight parliamentary term. The National Assembly and the audience were addressed by the President of the Republic Borut Pahor.
With a majority of votes, the National Assembly adopted the Decision on the Appointment of the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Commission for Public Office and Elections.
On the proposal of the Commission for Public Office and Elections, the election of all the 90 deputies was confirmed.
The seats were allocated as follows:

• Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS): 25
• List of Marjan Šarec (LMŠ): 13
• Social Democrats (SD): 10
• Party of Modern Centre (SMC): 10
• The Left: 9
• New Slovenia (NSi): 7
• Party of Alenka Bratušek (SAB): 5
• Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia (DeSUS): 5
• Slovenian National Party (SNS): 4
• Italian National Community: 1
• Hungarian National Community: 1

As proposed by 50 deputies with Marjan Šarec as the first signed, Matej Tonin was elected President of the National Assembly with a majority vote of all deputies.
The newly elected President thanked the deputies for their support.