The Minister of the Economy warns that a new prison would bankrupt Slovenia
STA, 12 November 2021 – A possible new prison would lead to the bankruptcy of the state, Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said on Friday during a government visit to southeastern Slovenia. He said the Covid crisis was not over yet, so everyone should join forces to find solutions, as “there will be no more state aid”.
At the discussion in Novo mesto, hosted by the regional branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Novo mesto Development Center, he pointed out various dilemmas regarding the proposed restrictions for managing the health crisis.
He urged people to act responsibly to maintain their own health and the health of others, and said Covid-19 was being abused for a “sick battle against the establishment”.
Covid’s latest restrictions are the latest attempt to curb the health crisis, he said, adding that he is in favor of introducing a PC rule, meaning only those who have survived Covid or been vaccinated will receive a Covid pass.
“We can’t allow a handful of people to hold the country hostage,” he said, adding that another prison would not work.
Počivalšek also presented to domestic businessmen the possibilities of drawing EU funds from the Fund for Recovery and Resilience, within which the Ministry of the Economy expects 427 million euros in grants for investments.
On the sidelines of the discussion, Počivalšek hinted in a statement to STA that the validity of tourist vouchers could be extended even further than this year, if their use is not possible due to Covid’s restrictions. He said a decision on the matter would be made before the end of the year.
As part of the government’s visit, Počivalšek visited several companies in Ribnica, Kočevje and Novo mesto today.