Golob and Janša tout political unity in post-flood reconstruction
Ljubljana, 22 August - Prime Minister Robert Golob and opposition leader Janez Janša stressed the need for political unity in post-flood reconstruction in a joint appearance on POP TV Monday night, as Janša announced that his party, the Democrats (SDS), will endorse the emergency law that the government is currently drafting.
Črna na Koroškem
Post-floods efforts.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
File photo
Golob said it was necessary for politicians to eschew fighting at a time when emergency measures had to be put in place because this is the only way that the measures can be good and passed fast.
Janša said everyone needed to focus on how to help the people and how to create conditions for a rapid reconstruction.
All political parties held a meeting last week and put forward their own proposals. The government plans to accept some of the proposals made by the opposition.
Golob said it would accept the New Slovenia (NSi) proposal for a special reconstruction fund, and agreed with the SDS that it was necessary to speed up the permitting procedures for flood protection measures and reduce red tape for the reconstruction effort.
"What we agreed on the most is that permitting of flood barriers and replacement homes must be sped up. These procedures must start immediately and we need more money for this. There was nobody who disagreed with that," he said.
Golob said the government would hold a meeting today with banks and insurance companies in a bid to secure financing for reconstruction.
"All stakeholders, from trade unions and employers to bankers and profitable companies ... will be told the same thing - we need solidarity in society as a whole. Everyone should contribute to their abilities. Those who have more should contribute more," according to him.
The pair also addressed rampant social media acrimony regarding Janša having helped out in flooded areas by doing physical work while Golob did not.
Janša said it was not the job of the prime minister to wield a shovel. "I was prime minister and in such situations it is easier to hold a shovel and help directly than it is to face thousands of dilemmas and decisions."
Golob said everyone must help the best they can. "If I was leader of the opposition, I would have acted the same - I would have joined the people and endorsed rapid action," said Golob, who thanked Janša for the political unity.