Slovenians began casting ballots in parliamentary elections this Sunday in a contest that will decide whether the EU member of about 2 million people continues on a liberal path or shifts toward illiberal right‑wing populism similar to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico.
Who is in contention
The main battle pits incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and his liberal Freedom Movement against Janez Janša, a three‑time Slovenian prime minister, and his right‑wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS). With neither side expected to secure a clear majority in Slovenia’s 90‑seat parliament, smaller parties are likely to determine which bloc can form a governing coalition.
The outcome matters for the European Union as well: Golob has been a voice for the EU’s mainstream liberal agenda, while Janša and the SDS align with Orbán and have adopted a combative, Trump‑admiring style — Janša has expressed admiration for former US President Donald Trump. Since gaining independence from communist Yugoslavia in 1991, Slovenia has frequently alternated between these two camps. The country joined both the EU and NATO in 2004.
Allegations of foreign election interference
In the run‑up to the vote, allegations of foreign interference rose to prominence after journalists and activists accused Janša of hiring the private Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube to assist his campaign. The claims allege Black Cube helped produce a series of videos intended to influence the election by portraying government corruption.
Janša, who has faced past criticism for restricting press freedoms and undermining the rule of law during earlier terms, has repeatedly attacked Golob’s government, calling it a “crime syndicate.” He has acknowledged contacts with Black Cube but denies any illicit election interference.
Speaking at a Brussels summit, Golob called for an EU investigation, saying: “It is so important, not to act now on behalf of Slovenia, but to act now to protect every other state that will come into election process in the next months. I am absolutely confident that Slovenian voters will be able to recognize that foreign interference is something that shall never be allowed.”
Slovenian authorities reported that Black Cube operatives visited Ljubljana four times during the campaign and were seen near the street that houses SDS headquarters. Black Cube — run by former Mossad agents — has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. The company maintains it operates legally and ethically but has been involved in past controversies, including efforts to discredit women accusing Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day
Edited by: Kieran Burke
