Slovenia debates Parliamentary Inquiry Act amendment

Debate is intensifying in Slovenia regarding an amendment to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act (ZPPre-B). A campaign titled ‘Against Political Police’ has gained traction, featuring prominent figures and slogans suggesting the new law would allow authorities to access private SMS messages, emails, and bank accounts at will.

Legal experts and critics of the campaign argue these claims are misleading. They note that parliamentary inquiry commissions do not possess police powers and cannot independently conduct searches, seizures, or access private communications. According to legal analysis, any breach of privacy would require a court order and must comply with constitutional protections regarding the secrecy of correspondence.

Furthermore, it is noted that the ability of commissions to request bank statements is not a new power introduced by this amendment, but rather an existing requirement under the Banking Act. The campaign is supported by various political entities, including Gibanje Svoboda, SD, and Levica, while opponents claim the rhetoric misrepresents the actual legislative text.