[REVISION HISTORY]

Slovenia prepares for December 6 referendum on ZIURS law

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2026-10-19 17:07 UTC → 2026-10-31 19:07 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The signature collection campaign to trigger a referendum on the Intervention Act for the Development of Slovenia (ZIURS) successfully reached its target. Branimir Štrukelj, president of the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions of Slovenia (KSJS), announced that over 40,000 signatures were collected, meeting the requirement 12 days ahead of the October 5 deadline. ~~Opponents~~ While the Ministry of the ~~law,~~ Interior and Public Administration claimed technical issues with the e-Uprava portal were resolved by September 3, labor unions reported ongoing difficulties during the process. The National Assembly passed the law on May 11, 2026. Proponents, including ~~union representatives,~~ the ruling coalition and business associations, argue the legislation will lower the cost of living, stimulate economic growth, and improve the business environment through VAT reductions on food and energy, tax relief for small businesses, and fuel subsidies for the agricultural and transport sectors. Opponents, including trade unions and opposition parties like Levica, argue the law promotes “social decay rather than ~~development.” They maintain that the law~~ development” and benefits the wealthiest citizens while threatening public funding for essential services such as education, healthcare, social welfare, culture, and long-term care. This aligns with previous concerns regarding potential cuts to pensions and the abolition of a 1% contribution for long-term care. citizens. Specific ~~points of contention~~ contentions include a proposed social cap on gross salaries at 7,500 ~~euros. While proponents argue this will lower labor costs for highly qualified professionals, unions~~ euros, which critics claim ~~it primarily benefits~~ targets essential professionals, and the ~~highest earners.~~ abolition of a 1% contribution for long-term care. Critics ~~also~~ warn these measures could create a ~~777 million euro~~ deficit in public health and pension ~~funds. The Slovenian National Assembly is moving~~ funds, with estimates ranging from 777 million to ~~schedule~~ one billion euros, though some tax experts suggest the ~~referendum, which~~ revenue reduction may be between 200 and 300 million euros. The referendum is ~~expected to take place on~~ scheduled for December 6, 2026. ~~As the date approaches, the~~ The ruling coalition ~~is debating~~ continues to coordinate whether to hold three additional consultative referendums on the same day regarding VAT for basic goods, ~~the rationalization of~~ public ~~administration,~~ administration rationalization, and a ban on face ~~coverings in public spaces. Decisions on these additional votes require further coalition coordination.~~ coverings.

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