Sajovic: Slovenia's defense spending is a domestic political issue, not NATO's main concern

Borut Sajovic, leader of the Freedom Movement parliamentary group, asserts that Slovenia's current government has invested more in defense, resilience, and security than any administration in the country's 35-year history. He contends that NATO's concerns about Slovenia's defense expenditures are being exploited for domestic political gain.

Sajovic criticizes the framing of defense spending, suggesting that bureaucratic hurdles, not the substance of projects, prevent funds from being allocated. He points to the Koper-Ljubljana-Hodoš corridor and the Koper-Ljubljana-Cerklje ob Krki-Zagreb connection as vital infrastructure, questioning the utility of advanced military technology if it cannot traverse essential transport routes. He also highlights investments in hospitals, such as the planned Petra Držaja hospital and ongoing construction in Brežice, Celje, Vojnik, and Maribor.

He notes that a recent poll indicates a majority of Slovenians desire investment in infrastructure, civil protection, and dual-use defense capabilities. Sajovic believes that public opinion is paramount for the defense minister's effectiveness, stating, "For us, it is not crucial what NATO thinks about defense spending, what is crucial is what the Slovenian public thinks about it." He also mentioned a smooth handover with the previous defense minister, expressing a desire to collaborate rather than oppose.

“

In prav to delamo ta trenutek.