Slovenia's NATO membership is crucial, says foreign minister amid referendum talk

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer has stressed the critical importance of NATO membership for the nation's security, responding to a proposal for a referendum on leaving the alliance. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Zoran Stevanović, suggested holding such a referendum concurrently with the autumn local elections.

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I do not comment on such domestic political matters.

Kajzer, however, stated he does not comment on domestic political matters but reiterated that NATO is the foundation of Slovenia's security. He noted that the government did not discuss fulfilling NATO commitments, despite Slovenia being the only member state expected to spend less than two percent of its GDP on defense this year. NATO expects members to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035, a commitment made at last year's Hague summit.

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So membership in NATO is crucial for Slovenia.

The Social Democrats (SD) dismissed Stevanović's proposal as an attempt to divert attention from alleged irregularities concerning him and his party's lawmakers. SD deputy Luka Goršek suggested that Stevanović, as part of the current coalition, should resolve the referendum issue internally.

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This is an attempt by Stevanović to divert attention from reports about his irregularities and the irregularities of his MPs.

Asta Vrečko, co-coordinator of The Left party, expressed support for leaving NATO, arguing that membership offers no benefits to Slovenia. She stated that funds allocated to NATO could be better used for domestic needs, such as supporting citizens, artists, and pensioners, advocating instead for strengthening Slovenia's own defense capabilities. Despite her party's stance, Vrečko welcomed the referendum proposal, indicating The Left would actively campaign for Slovenia's withdrawal from NATO if it proceeds.

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For weapons there is no problem (...) on the other hand, we don't have money for our own people, for creators, for pensioners (...) and because of this, we in The Left believe that we must promote and strengthen our own defense, not pay some alliances in NATO.