News roundup - Sunday, 14 April

Economy Minister Han elected president of the Social Democrats

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Matjaž Han was elected president of the Social Democrats (SD), narrowly beating MEP Milan Brglez in a 182:172 vote at a party congress Saturday night. Han, who served as MP for almost two decades prior to his stint as minister is seen as a representative of the party's pro-business wing that has been criticised by many of late as having forgotten social democratic ideals in favour of political pragmatism. In his acceptance speech, the 53-year-old said he was "truly ready" to push the party forward. He said he herd all the critical voices but now was the time to unite the party.

Slovenia strongly condemns Iran's attack on Israel

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia strongly condemned Iran's attack on Israel, with Prime Minister Robert Golob calling for an immediate end to all military activities and a permanent ceasefire both in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East. "The escalation of conflict in the Middle East raises great concern," Golob said in a statement carried by the Government Communication Office. The Slovenian Foreign Ministry meanwhile said on X that Slovenia calls for the situation to calm down and for restraint in order to prevent further destabilisation.

Slovenia to call for return to diplomacy at Security Council session

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced that at Sunday's session of the UN Security Council Slovenia will once again call for a ceasefire in the Middle East and for the situation to be calmed down. At the session convened after the Iranian attack on Israel, Slovenia will also show its commitment to a comprehensive approach and diplomatic solutions. Fajon noted that "any further military conflict in the Middle East can have devastating consequences for the region and the world".

Slovenian women's handball team qualifies for Paris Olympics

NEU-ULM - The Slovenian women's handball team defeated Montenegro 30:26 (14:11) in the last match of a qualifying tournament to earn a ticket for the Summer Olympics in Paris. At the tournament Slovenia first lost to Germany 25:31 on Thursday, and then bounced back with a 32:14 drubbing of Paraguay on Saturday to stay in play for the Olympics ahead of today's decisive match with Montenegro. Slovenia were lead by captain Ana Gros and Tjaša Stanko with seven goals each to earn the first Olympics appearance for the women's handball team in the nation's history.

Climber Garnbret wins second World Cup event in China

WUJIANG, China - Slovenian sport climbing star Janja Garnbret continues to show excellent form ahead of the Paris Summer Olympics as she won both IFSC World Cup event held this week in China. After winning the bouldering event in Keqiao, today she emerged victorious in the lead event in Wujiang. The 25-year-old Slovenian increased the overall number of her victories in the World Cup to an absolute record of 43, which includes 27 wins in the lead discipline and 16 wins in bouldering.