Golob: Flood damage will reach billions of euros

The state will allocate over EUR 100 million for emergency measures. "We will spare no costs for the setting up of the basic infrastructure," Golob told the late night news show aired by public broadcaster RTV Slovenija.

The government promised this to the mayors of the affected areas, and the PM will meet all three municipal associations today to discuss emergency measures. Golob said the government wanted to work hand in hand with municipalities while also taking care of the people.

The emergency package to be discussed by the government today will include measures to directly help those affected, including by offering substitute facilities in a few months to those who lost their homes. The land would be provided by municipalities, while the state would provide pre-fabricated buildings.

"We want to show a solution to the people today," Golob said, adding that measures must come in a matter of days and weeks, not months or years. People's trust in the state and the future must be restored, he stressed.

The government will also discuss the proposal to declare 14 August a day off for repair works, Golob told the news show on commercial broadcaster POP TV.

The measures aimed at helping businesses and repair infrastructure presented yesterday are also to be discussed. The National Assembly is to discuss the legislative proposal on Wednesday.

The government also plans to adjust this year's budget for the second time, as a few hundred million euros will need to be secured this year. Several hundred million euros will also need to be secured for the 2024 budget.

The prime minister is confident that the repair efforts will be successful as they are being coordinated in a centralised way, and international aid has been also provided.

He said the priorities would be restoring road connections and cleaning the rivers and streams so as to prevent further damage when autumn rains start.