Govt announces EUR 2bn stimulus package for economy

Presenting the outlines of the "coronapackage" on Tuesday, Prime Minister Janez Janša said the measures were designed to protect jobs and keep society in general functioning through the crisis.

They are valued at roughly EUR 2 billion, the biggest stimulus ever in Slovenian history, according to Matej Lahovnik, the economist who heads a special task force of economists and business executives that has advised the government on the measures.

One of the principal measures helping the corporate sector will be a broad expansion of support for companies, both for those that continue to operate and those that are forced to scale back operations.

Part-financing of temporary layoffs had been provided as part of the first package of measures but this kind of financing will now be expanded: the state will fully cover up to two months of social contributions.

The measure will be in place until 31 May but may be extended if necessary, according to Janša.

To keep companies functioning, the state plans to step in and cover the employer and employee pension contributions of private sector workers who remain working during the crisis.

Janša also announced what he called a "financial cannon": a guarantee scheme for companies and purchases of corporate claims.

According to Lahovnik, companies will be able to sell unenforceable claims to a public institution. While the bad bank had initially been mentioned as the institution to handle such claims, Lahovnik said this had not been finalised yet.

Sick pay of all those who fall ill during the crisis will be fully covered by the public health insurance rather than employers having to cover the first 30 working days of absence. Unemployment benefits will automatically kick in on the first day of unemployment.

Corporate income tax payments will be provisionally suspended and suppliers dealing with the state will be paid in 8 days, down from a minimum of 30 at the moment.

The prime minister also announced extra funding for scientific and research institutions helping to develop coronavirus vaccines, drugs to alleviate coronavirus symptoms and protective equipment.

The self-employed will get a waiver of contributions and a monthly basic income of 70% of minimum pay. To be eligible, all they will have to do is to submit statements that their business has been affected by the crisis.

Lahovnik said it was crucial to keep this system simple and eschew red tape. The statements will be checked retroactively.

Pensioners with pensions below EUR 700 will get a special allowance to help them better cope, according to Janša. The one-off payment will be in the EUR 130-300 range and will be transferred on 15 April.

A special set of measures will be dedicated to farmers, with direct transfers and cancelled contributions planned for farmers who may contract coronavirus.

There will also be some savings measures, including a 30% pay cut for holders of public office and a 30% cut in fees for members of supervisory boards in state-owned companies.

While the judiciary will be exempted under a Constitutional Court ruling on the matter, Janša called on decision-makers there to voluntarily join the effort.

Lahovnik said follow-up measures focused on liquidity were already under discussion as well and would be presented "in a few weeks". He said it was crucial to act fast since the corporate sector risked entering "chain illiquidity" otherwise.

Janša said the state will provide "as much funding as necessary". "The fundamental aim is to freeze the existing situation in Slovenia so that we protect people and preserve jobs and potentials in business, science, research, culture and society in general."

The guidelines will be transformed into formal legislative proposals by the end of the week.