Daily headlines - Friday, 16 April

DELO

Tourism
"Slovenian tourism losing EUR 2 billions": Tourism providers are disappointed over Slovenia's lack of efforts to get ready for this year's summer season, which is expected to be even worse than last year's. The sector cannot be salvaged merely by state aid, they warn, noting that hotels in Croatia's Istria have been open and have not contributed to a rise in Covid cases. (front page, page 4)

Banks
"EUR 1 billion for NKBM bank": The Hungarian bank OTP is thinking about acquiring the Maribor-based NKBM bank from US fund Apollo for about EUR 1 billion in a deal that would establish Slovenia's largest bank, Reuters reported, quoting unofficial sources. (front page, page 9)

Students
"Critical student faces judge surrounded by supporters": As the first under-age secondary school student ordered to appear in front of a magistrate because she protested over closure of schools appeared in court in Maribor, a crowd gathered to back her up. The judge has not made any decision yet, whereas the student's lawyer proposed for the procedure to be dropped. (front page, page 5)

Opposition
"For left-wing DEMOS": The four opposition parties have been urged to join ranks for the next election to increase voters' trust, especially among those undecided, and aim for a landslide victory in an agreement that would be reminiscent of the independence-era DEMOS coalition. Meanwhile, a poll shows that more than 60% of the respondents would like to see a new party. (front page, page 2)

DNEVNIK

Vaccine
"Sputnik in the game in Slovenia too": The vaccination advisory group agrees with the Health Ministry that Slovenia's procurement of the Sputnik V vaccine is an option. Slovenia could follow the example set by Austria in purchasing the vaccine, which would be used after the EMA's green light. (front page)

Corruption
"Pivec paid for an overnight stay that never happened?": Aleksandra Pivec has submitted to the anti-graft watchdog a document attesting that she reimbursed the Izola municipality for covering an overnight stay at a local hotel for her two children. However, Pivec had been adamant that the children had not stayed in the hotel at all and she covered the expenses after the scandal broke. (front page, page 3)

STA
"NBI knocking on STA supervisors' doors": According to Dnevnik's sources, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) visited yesterday the chair of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) supervisory board. The paper warns that the politicisation of the police continues. (front page, page 4)

Covid
"Antibodies do not suffice, we should get tested": Proof of having antibodies currently in one's system is not enough to qualify for an exemption from Covid restrictions as those with antibodies are not deemed protected against reinfection. (front page, page 5)

VEČER

Students
"Students in court": The first student ordered to appear in court for violating Covid restrictions in what was a protest urging a reopening of schools faced the magistrate yesterday. The student protested peacefully in February as she heeded all prevention measures. Supporters gathered in front of the court to cheer her on. (front page, pages 2, 3)

Coalition
"Joining ranks": The coalition closed ranks despite minority support in parliament to get ready for the last year before the election. The parties count on their partners to continue to implement the coalition agreement. What is new is a project of a EUR 2 billion investment plan for healthcare. (front page, page 4)

Crime
"Bitcoin earnings going into drugs": The Pomurje police busted a drug ring that operated via dark net. The ring was set up using Bitcoin profits and regular mail was used to deliver the drugs to the clients. (front page, page 21)