Brejc receives notice from Information Commissioner: 'They will surely try something else'

Miha Brejc, a former minister and prominent figure in Slovenian politics, has publicly criticized the Information Commissioner's office for investigating his online petition. The petition aimed to gather signatures for the resignation of National Assembly Speaker Zoran Stevanović.

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As I predicted, the government is violating the constitution and nothing will happen to them, but when a citizen uses their constitutional right to petition, the information commissioner immediately intervenes, and they will surely try something else.

Brejc received a formal notice from the Information Commissioner, citing multiple complaints about the "sum of illegal processing of personal data" collected via the website stevogohome.si. The commissioner has requested evidence to proceed with an inspection.

In a Facebook post, Brejc expressed his view that this action is an attempt by the ruling party to suppress dissent. He contrasted the scrutiny he faces with what he perceives as the government's impunity for constitutional violations. "As I predicted, the government is violating the constitution and nothing will happen to them, but when a citizen uses their constitutional right to petition, the information commissioner immediately intervenes, and they will surely try something else," Brejc stated.

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The notice with a return receipt was signed and accepted, because I do not avoid mail from competent authorities, as some well-known politicians do.

He outlined his intention to respond to the commissioner within three days, emphasizing that he does not avoid official correspondence. Brejc argued that the data collection process is similar to manual signature gathering and that the commissioner should address the complaints. He questioned why he must answer seven questions while those allegedly violating the constitution face no repercussions, suggesting this is a warning to others who might dare to petition against the government in the future.

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It is interesting that I now have to answer seven questions, while those who violate the constitution face no consequences. Is this a warning to all who might dare to collect signatures against the government in the future?

Brejc also highlighted Article 45 of the Slovenian constitution, which guarantees the right to petition. He argued that excessive restrictions imposed by authorities render this right ineffective, turning it into a "dead letter on paper." Despite the investigation, Brejc announced his intention to continue collecting signatures.

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According to Article 45 of the constitution, every citizen has the right to submit petitions and other initiatives of general importance, but this right is limited by regulations that demand too much from the citizen. Who will still submit petitions if they are restricted at every step. With such actions by the competent authorities, Article 45 of the constitution will only be a dead letter on paper.