Slovenia: Anti-government protest reported in Ljubljana May 22

Event

Thousands of Slovenians participated in an anti-government demonstration in Ljubljana on Friday, May 22, denouncing Janez Janša's appointment to a third term as prime minister. The protests went ahead despite Janša previously stating that large public events are only permissible once a vaccination for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been discovered and widely distributed. The protesters claim that Janša is abusing governmental authority amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further protests are expected in Ljubljana and other cities nationwide over the coming weeks. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near all protest sites.

Advice

Individuals in Slovenia are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transportation and business around protest sites.