Slavko Pregl, prominent Slovenian writer and cultural leader, dies at 81

Slavko Pregl, a prominent Slovenian youth writer, publisher, and cultural figure, has died at the age of 81. Born in Ljubljana in 1945, Pregl authored more than 50 books, many of which were translated into approximately 15 languages.

Beyond his literary career, Pregl held significant leadership roles within Slovenia's cultural landscape. He served as the first director of the Public Agency for Books of the Republic of Slovenia from 2009 to 2012. He also presided over the Slovene Writers' Association, the Bralna značka Society, and the Society of Slovenian Publishers. Additionally, he led the National Council for Culture.

Pregl was a co-founder and vice president of Forum 21, an organization established in 2004 by former President Milan Kučan. His literary achievements include receiving the Levstik Award for his work, such as ‘Geniji v kratkih hlačah’, which was adapted into a television series. He was also a recipient of the Order of Merit for his contributions to Slovenian culture and youth reading culture.