News roundup - Saturday, 18 May

Doctors could still have dual practice, but not for private providers

LJUBLJANA - Government guidelines for a strict separation of public and private healthcare obtained by the STA show that doctors could still have dual practice, which hundreds currently do, but those in the public sector would only be allowed to work for other public providers and at their own health organisation. Doctors have warned the changes would trigger a wave of quitting.

SDS remains in lead in latest EU election poll, Vesna in third

LJUBLJANA - The Democrats (SDS) are projected to beat the Freedom Movement by almost ten points at the EU election, while Vesna, a small green party, jumped to third place, projects the latest poll by Dnevnik. The paper says the SDS is likely to win three of the nine seats, the Freedom Movement two, while Vesna could grab two as well if its ascent persists. The remaining seats will be contested by the SD and NSi.

Corporate sector willing to co-finance Krško 2

PORTOROŽ - One of Slovenia's most renowned businessmen has announced that the corporate sector is willing to co-finance Krško 2. "Us businessmen have determined that we can jointly invest 3% in the construction of the power plant. If we expand that, we can reach 15% or even 30%," Jure Knez, founder and CEO of tech company Dewesoft, told a conference in Portorož yesterday.

SLS lead candidate punched at public event

METLIKA - Peter Gregorčič, the lead candidate of the People's Party (SLS) at the EU elections, was punched by a man at Vinska Vigred, a large outdoor public event in Metlika. Police said the a 20-year-old man, who later failed a breathalyzer test, had punched him and proceeded to topple trash cans in the vicinity. He was apprehended overnight and faces a 438 EUR fine for disorderly conduct.

Pogačar extends Giro lead with second place in time trial

VERONA, Italy - Giro 'Italia race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) extended his lead on Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) and Daniel Martinez (Bora-Hansgroge) in the general classification by placing second in the second time trial of the race. He finished the 31.2-kilometre route in 35 minutes and 31 seconds, 29 seconds behind the stage winner, time trial specialist Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers).