Slovenia's ex-PM tells current leader to 'calm down' over Palestine stance

Former Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has sharply rebuked current Prime Minister Janez Janša's recent statements concerning the recognition of Palestine and the country's diplomatic stance. Janša, in an interview with the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, announced plans to freeze recognition of Palestine and relocate Slovenia's embassy to Jerusalem. He also labeled his predecessors as "crazy" for their policies.

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Calm down, Janez Janša

Golob took to social media to address Janša's remarks, urging him to "calm down." He asserted that Slovenia's recognition of Palestine in June 2024 was an affirmation of the fundamental right to self-determination, which he described as being "in the Slovenian DNA." Furthermore, Golob emphasized that recognizing Palestine is a crucial prerequisite for achieving peace and coexistence for both Israelis and Palestinians.

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recognition of Palestine meant recognition of the fundamental right to self-determination, which is, as he wrote, 'in the Slovenian DNA.'

Defending the previous government's consistent policy, Golob stated that they had always advocated for a cessation of hostilities and affirmed Israel's security and right to exist through a two-state solution. He highlighted that these positions align with the majority views of the international community. "The long-standing position of the EU is that Jerusalem is the future common capital of Israel and Palestine, based on a final solution through direct negotiations," Golob explained, noting that EU member states' diplomatic missions, including Slovenia's, are located in Tel Aviv.

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the long-standing position of the EU is that Jerusalem is the future common capital of Israel and Palestine, based on a final solution through direct negotiations.

Responding directly to Janša's characterization of the previous government's actions as "crazy," Golob questioned the basis for such a label. "What was crazy about the internationally recognized positions of the previous government, only Janez Janša knows," he wrote, dismissing the criticism as unfounded and politically motivated.

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What was crazy about the internationally recognized positions of the previous government, only Janez Janša knows