News roundup - Saturday, 20 July

Heavy rain in N Slovenia triggers landslides, causes floods

SOLČAVA/PREDDVOR - Northern Slovenia was hit by heavy rain and storms on Friday night. Buildings and roads were flooded, several landslides triggered and blocked local roads. In the village of Kokra some residents had to be evacuated because of a landslide. Many municipalities are still removing the damage.

Report: Slovenian plant to produce electric Renault Twingo

NOVO MESTO - French car manufacturer Renault will entrust the Novo Mesto assembly plant Revoz with the production of a more affordable version of its electric Twingo model, reported the Forbes Slovenija portal, citing unofficial sources. The memorandum of understanding should be signed on Wednesday, the portal wrote, adding that the investment will be supported by the state.

Janša stresses efforts for early elections at SDS get-together

BOVEC - The traditional annual get-together of the Democratic Party (SDS) started on Saturday with party leader Janez Janša addressing the event, saying efforts were in place so early elections could be held as soon as possible. He praised the party's results at the EU elections but said that a different government would mean a more significant change.

Tadej Pogačar collects another stage win at Tour

NICE, France - Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) won stage 20 at Tour de France as he pulled ahead of Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) just 400 m before the finish line. He now has a 5:14 lead in the GC before the final stage. His team did not plan to win the stage but he is satisfied nevertheless, Pogačar said after the race.

Mount Trstelj fire extinguished with the help of rain

KOMEN - Firefighters have extinguished a wildfire that engulfed around 150 hectares of forest on Mount Trstelj, said the regional Civil Protection headquarters. The firefighters hosing the fire at night were aided by rain.

Slovenian helicopters return from firefighting in N Macedonia

BRNIK - Two Slovenian helicopters have returned from North Macedonia where they aided in fighting fires for three days in difficult conditions with temperatures reaching 45 degrees. The crews, one from the police and one from Slovenian Armed Forces, stressed good cooperation.

Vipava Valley to get largest irrigation system in Slovenia

VIPAVA/AJDOVŠČINA - Several projects are ongoing in Slovenia to set up irrigation systems, which will be necessary for future intensive farming because of climate change. The largest one, planned in Vipava Valley, will irrigate almost 1,900 hectares of land. The plans will be prepared by the end of 2025.