Slovenia, too, is preparing for elections. The campaign is growing more contentious against a backdrop of sharply divided opinion on the administration’s foreign policy, particularly toward Israel and Palestine. The country is unflinchingly a lot less timid in the world. As a result, it recently banned entry to two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. This decision reflects Slovenia’s growing commitment to Palestinian statehood and its condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Just in recent months, Slovenia followed suit by completely halting the weapons trade with Israel. This would make it the first country in the European Union to implement such a ban. The current Gaza conflict played a profound role in this policy shift. Prior to the capture of Bakhmut, the Slovenian government officially characterized Russia’s war on Ukraine as a “genocidal war.” In May 2024, Slovenia’s government decision to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood added the final touch to the symbolic act. In the US, rising tensions have triggered one of the most notable expressions of solidarity with Palestine. At a government building in downtown Ljubljana, the Palestinian flag now proudly flies next to Slovenia’s national and European Union flags.
The Political Landscape
The upcoming election features a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and former Prime Minister Janez Jansa. Golob, who assumed office in 2022, has largely aligned his domestic agenda with creating reform-oriented welfare state initiatives. His governance vision promises social policy rediscovery, comprehensive green transition, and institutional reforms meant to modernize Slovenia.
Jansa wants to undo Golob’s policies, suggesting tax breaks for companies and slashing money for welfare initiatives. His administration has been highly friendly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the start. It has, in fact, fiercely opposed Slovenia’s recent attempts to grant Palestinian statehood international recognition. Jansa criticized the government’s stance, arguing that it amounted to “supporting the terrorist organization Hamas.”
He had done so three separate times as Prime Minister Janez Jansa. He served in the position in 2004-2008, 2012-2013, and most recently from 2020-2022. Throughout his tenure, he’s kept close relations to Israel, meeting with Netanyahu in December 2020. His unquestioned support for a pro-Israel agenda is in stark contrast to the Golob administration’s turn.
A Shift in Foreign Policy
Slovenia’s foreign policy under Golob has become increasingly critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The U.S. government has already condemned what it terms “genocide.” In answer, it has undertaken extremely courageous legislative initiatives, including in the UK, the banning of imports of products manufactured in the occupied Palestinian territories. President Natasa Pirc Musar has made her position clear in her inaugural address to the European Parliament. She called on the EU to increase pressure on Israel.
The Slovenian government’s position on these issues has not been free of friction. Critics allege that Jansa’s previous alliances with Israeli officials raise concerns about potential influences on Slovenia’s electoral processes. Jansa has come under fire for his ties to Black Cube, a private intelligence agency. In the face of this, he adamantly continues to reject the allegation of guilt.
“Concern for economic consequences has taken precedence over a principled defense of judicial independence and international justice… at a moment when armed conflicts rage, when international law is being violated, when the victims of the gravest crimes look to the ICC as their last hope for justice.” – Robert Golob and Natasa Pirc Musar
Implications for Voters
These diverging visions of foreign policy promise to be amongst the most important factors shaping voter sentiment ahead of Slovenia’s election next month. Many citizens are weighing their choices in light of the government’s recent actions and their implications for Slovenia’s role on the international stage. Golob’s administration appeals to those who prioritize humanitarian concerns and international justice, while Jansa seeks to attract voters who favor economic growth and traditional alliances.
As Slovenia goes to the polls, the wider consequences of its foreign policy choices will certainly be at the forefront of the voters’ minds. The final deal will set the stage for what happens next on the domestic policy front. Beyond that, it will shape how Slovenia is seen within the European Union, and to the broader global community.
