News roundup - Monday, 29 July, until 3pm

Opposition SDS gains further ground in POP TV poll

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Democrats (SDS) further increased their lead ahead of the ruling Freedom Movement in the latest opinion poll commissioned by the commercial broadcaster POP TV. The SDS polled at 22.7%, 0.9 percentage points up from June, as the party of PM Robert Golob added 0.4% points to 18%. President Nataša Pirc Musar replaced Vesna MEP Vladimir Prebilič as the most popular politician. The poll also showed that 72% believe post-flood reconstruction has been inefficient.

Logar Valley and Črna na Koroškem hit hardest in Sunday's heavy rain

ČRNA NA KOROŠKEM - The heavy rain and winds that hit Slovenia on Sunday afternoon mostly affected the north and northeast of the country, flooding buildings, toppling trees and uncovering roofs. In the Logar Valley the access path to the Rinka Falls is obstructed after the area was hit for a second time in just over a week. Several buildings were flooded on Sunday in Črna na Koroškem where work continues to clean up the mud and flood deposits. A landslide blocked the road between Zagorje and Litija.

Men's handball team beats Croatia to keep Olympic dream alive

PARIS, France - The Slovenian men's handball team beat Croatia 31:29 (13:13) at the Olympics to bounce back after a game 1 defeat against Spain in Group A of preliminary play. Slovenia, who are hoping to make their first Olympic quarter-final appearance since Rio 2016, came back in a tough match against the two-time Olympic champions, delivering the decisive blow in the middle of the second half. They will next face Sweden, Japan, and Germany.

Men's volleyball team beats Canada in Olympic debut

PARIS, France - The Slovenian men's volleyball team, which is making its debut at the Olympic Games in Paris, beat Canada 3:1 (21, 20, -20, 21) in its opening match on Sunday. Tonček Štern shone particularly brightly, collecting 24 points, while Eric Loeppky was the best finisher on the Canadian team side with 17 points. Slovenia, presently ranked the world's 5th strongest volleyball team, will face Serbia on Tuesday and France on Friday in Group A of the preliminary stage of the tournament.

Charities distribute EUR 25m to flood-stricken households

LJUBLJANA - Caritas Slovenia and the Slovenian Red Cross have distributed nearly EUR 25 million in aid to more than 9,000 households affected by August 2023 floods and related natural disasters. Caritas Slovenia distributed EUR 11.5 million, including EUR 5.5 million of state aid, in the form of financial aid or renovation pre-payments. The rest of the funds were used for dehumidifiers, shopping vouchers, food, school supplies and other necessities.

Spanish football coach Riera returning to Slovenia

CELJE - The former member of the Spanish national football team Albert Riera, whose first head coach job had been with Olimpija Ljubljana in 2022, is returning to Slovenia following a short stint in Bordeaux whose Ligue 2 team has filed for bankruptcy. The 42-year-old coach, who took Ljubljana to a premier league title as well the cup victory in his first season, has been signed by Celje, the reigning Slovenian champions, in a two-year deal.

Slovenian United Buddy Bear sells for EUR 700

LJUBLJANA - As part of the United Buddy Bears exhibition, which features 145 two-metre tall bear sculptures, the bear which formerly represented Slovenia has been auctioned off. The bear, created by Ptuj artist Marjan Kekec-Ogradni, was part of the exhibition since 2003 but was replaced by a new bear this year. The bear sold for EUR 700 in a silent auction. The money will go to the charity Moste Polje Association of the Friends of Youth, along with EUR 1,000 from the Buddy Bear Help organisation.