News roundup - Saturday, 18 January

Ljubljana, 18 January - Below is a roundup of major events on Saturday, 18 January:

National Council president starts a new party

BRDO PRI KRANJU - National Council President Marko Lotrič, a former successful businessman, founded Focus, a new political party that will seek to make Slovenia a strong and development-oriented economy and a society that is not plagued by ideological disputes related to the past. He was elected its leader at today's founding congress while his top aide at the upper chamber of parliament, Monika Kirbiš Rojs, was elected secretary general. Lotrič said the party was formed out of a desire for a different, efficient politics.

Fake posts about PM Golob on Facebook

LJUBLJANA - The Government Communications Office (UKOM) said paid fake posts about PM Robert Golob had appeared on Facebook since Wednesday, with computer-processed photos of Golob and misleading text suggesting he was arrested. An unknown author used the visual image of Slovenian tabloid Slovenske Novice, while there was also a link to a website where more information could be found, but UKOM said an analysis showed the website had no content. The posts have already been removed and the police have opened an investigation into the incident.

Survey finds flaws in support systems for troubled kids

LJUBLJANA - A survey among experts, parents and children has identified many shortcomings in Slovenia's system of support and assistance for children and youth with behavioural and emotional issues. The problems range from a shortage of staff and poor preventive programmes to unequal opportunities to obtain help and a lack of research. The survey was conducted in 2024 by the country's Institute of Social Care to see how well the system addresses the needs of violent children and adolescents and of the victims of violence or child neglect. The government now intends to address all the shortcomings in a systemic manner.

Slovenian ski jumpers second in team event in Zakopane

ZAKOPANE, Poland - Slovenia's men's ski jumpers finished second in a World Cup team event in Zakopane. Lovro Kos, Timi Zajc, Domen Prevc and Anže Lanišek conceded only to Austria, and thus won their first podium this season. Slovenia placed 40.8 points behind Austria, Norway finished third.

Miha Hrobat third in Wengen World Cup downhill

WENGEN, Switzerland - Slovenian Alpine skier Miha Hrobat finished third in the classic World Cup downhill race in Wengen, in what is his second downhill podium this season. He was only outperformed by two Swiss skiers, Marco Odermatt and Franjo von Allmen. He is now fourth in the downhill rankings and 20th in the overall World Cup rankings.

Second win for Slovenia at handball worlds

ZAGREB, Croatia - Despite a lacklustre first half, Slovenia overpowered Cape Verde in game two at the World Handball Championship and are now awaiting Iceland to determine who will take the top spot in Group G. Aleks Vlah scored eight goals and three players added five each to take Slovenia to a 36:24 (18:12) win.

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