Priority of new Government of Slovenia is to tackle energy crisis

There will be no war profiteers in Slovenia, according to new Prime Minister Robert Golob, who promised that everyone would take their fair share of the burden from rising food and energy prices. The coalition plans to establish a separate ministry of environment, climate and energy, and another one for a green breakthrough and green policies.

Robert Golob’s cabinet started working on measures to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis immediately after taking over. The new prime minister has vowed to make Slovenia a socially just and solidarity state based on knowledge. One of the priorities is tackling food and energy inflation.

The government has received the support of 54 deputies in the 90-member parliament while 30 voted against it. The new prime minister’s Freedom Movement is in a coalition with the Social Democrats and the Left.

The government has a vision of a carbon-free society supported by nuclear technology including small modular reactors

Golob announced intensive and decisive long-term measures with a focus on electrification and solarization to overcome the energy crisis. He stressed he would make sure there are no war profiteers with regard to rising energy and food costs and that everyone would take their fair share of the burden.

According to the coalition agreement, a ministry of green breakthrough and green policies would be established, and a ministry of environment, climate and energy would be introduced by separating a part of the Ministry of Infrastructure’s current portfolio. In the past few years, several European countries have founded ministries tasked particularly with climate action, sustainable development and the green transition, and even the climate crisis.

Minister Bojan Kumer sticks with 2033 coal phaseout plan

Minister of Infrastructure Bojan Kumer promised reforms in the energy sector and to introduce a law to promote renewables. He said a new chapter is beginning toward a development-oriented society.

One of the main points in his program are rail upgrades and digitalization in the transportation sector. Ljubljana is due to get a new railway and bus passenger center called Emonika by 2025. The project is worth EUR 350 million. Kumer said the ministry would push for the construction of bicycle lanes and yellow lanes for public transportation and make long-distance travel free for pensioners.

Eight ministries are responsible for climate policy

The measures to mitigate the energy crisis will be especially directed to help vulnerable households and farmers. He expressed support for 2033 as the coal phaseout target date and the proper allocation of European funds for a fair restructuring of coal regions.

As for the plans for the construction of the second unit of the Krško nuclear power plant, Kumer said it is imperative to hear the people’s opinion and noted that the government wants a carbon-free society supported by nuclear technology. The concept includes small modular reactors, which he called “promising.”

Turning to climate policy, he pointed to the need for cooperation between eight ministries that are responsible for the segment.

After the division, Kumer is set to lead the environment, climate and energy, while his state secretary Alenka Bratušek would take over infrastructure. She is a former prime minister and infrastructure minister.

Bojan Kumer was the state secretary for energy on two occasions. Before taking over as minister, he was an executive in state-controlled energy company GEN-I, where he worked closely with Robert Golob, who was the chief executive officer.

Brežan: Slovenia requires two waste incinerators

Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Uroš Brežan was the mayor of the small Alpine town of Tolmin since 2006. Before he was elected, he told the relevant parliamentary committee a climate law would be adopted and that the program for the use of climate funds would be amended.

Brežan said emission control would be enhanced and independent. According to the current data on the amount of generated waste, he said, Slovenia needs two waste incinerators “with the strictest environmental standards.”

“With systemic measures, we will reduce the pressure on nature,” the new minister added and vowed to lead the systematic rehabilitation of degraded areas. Finally, Brežan said he would put an emphasis on citizens’ right to clean drinking water, particularly the inhabitants of the coastal area and neighboring Kras in dry periods.