Assita Kanko is back from her mission in Slovenia: “A national Twitter holiday for Slovenian politics seems like a good idea”

“I grew up in a dictatorship and can assure my colleagues in the European Parliament and the Commission that Slovenia is not on its way to becoming a dictatorship.” MEP Assita Kanko does not have the impression that the Slovenian rule of law is being undermined. However, she is shocked by the coarse public debate. “Everywhere, including in Slovenia, we must continue to work for freedom of the press.”

MEP Assita Kanko was in Slovenia with a delegation for the past few days. She met with journalists, academics, anti-corruption officials, government representatives and many others from all walks of life. The delegation consisted of one member from each European political group and a member on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control.

Angry with Slovenian Prime Minister Janša

Assita Kanko says of the rough public debate in Slovenia: “It is clear that dirty political games are being played in Slovenia. And I am very shocked by the coarse language that leading politicians also use. The way in which female journalists are sometimes spoken of is unacceptable and damaging. I am also angry with Prime Minister Janez Janša, who supposedly did not have time to meet with us, but unleashed an absurd Twitter storm during our visit. It was unworthy of a Prime Minister.”

Encouraging signs from criticised institutions

But Assita Kanko found that the rule of law is not being undermined. “At the same time, I met representatives of strong national institutions that are criticised, but certainly not undermined. The national anti-corruption officer, the Ombudsman and the public prosecutor all assured us that they can do their work independently. I am also very pleased with the statement by the President of the Slovenian Constitutional Court that the legal system there fully accepts the primacy of EU law.”

The Slovenian rule of law stands firm

Assita Kanko’s conclusion is clear: “I am calling on all Slovenian politicians to conduct the public debate in a civilised manner. That would be good for the quality of debate in Slovenia. A national Twitter holiday for Slovenian politics seems like a good idea. The rule of law stands firm, but it must continue to be nurtured.”