Slovenia: Anti-government protests likely to continue in Ljubljana June 12 /update 1

Event

The US Embassy in Ljubljana reported on Friday, June 12, that anti-government protests denouncing the appointment of Janez Janša for a third term as prime minister are likely to continue into the evening on Friday. Protests have been taking place on consecutive Friday's 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, and environmental groups have voiced fears that Janša plans to relax environmental protection rules.

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.

Context

Anti-government demonstrations in Slovenia began in April 2020 and have taken place in several towns and cities across the country. Demonstrations have remained peaceful to date, with participants usually expressing their concerns via chalk paintings on pavements and cycling through streets in large crowds. 

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.