Political instability rises in Slovenia and Croatia

Political tension is rising in Slovenia and Croatia as opposition parties launch several parliamentary challenges.

In Slovenia, the parliamentary majority has blocked the establishment of inquiries into the Black Cube affair and suspected illegal political party financing. The coalition argues that these decisions should wait for the outcome of an October 11 referendum regarding amendments to the parliamentary inquiry law. Meanwhile, the National Assembly is set to hold a secret vote regarding the potential dismissal of Speaker Zoran Stevanović and Deputy Speaker Avšič Bogovič, following allegations of constitutional violations and procedural abuses. Additionally, an interpellation has been filed against Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer.

In Croatia, the SDP is moving to submit a formal vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The motion follows a hazardous waste scandal in Lika, where approximately 37,000 tonnes of waste were illegally dumped in Gospić and surrounding areas. The opposition holds the government politically responsible for regulatory failures that allowed the pollution to occur.