Slovenia Election 2024: Liberals vs Populists & Foreign Interference Claims
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Voters in Slovenia cast ballots Sunday in a parliamentary election poised to determine whether the European Union nation continues its current liberal trajectory or shifts toward the right, following a campaign overshadowed by allegations of foreign interference.
The contest centers on incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Freedom Movement and Janez Jansa, leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), who previously served as prime minister three times. A tight race is anticipated, with analysts predicting a fragmented parliament requiring coalition building.
Recent polling data has shown the two leading parties running neck and neck, suggesting no single party will secure a majority in the 90-member parliament. This outcome would elevate smaller parties to pivotal roles in forming a government, according to Slovenian sociologist Samo Uhan, who noted the country’s electorate has historically been polarized.
The election has been further complicated by claims of attempted foreign influence. Activists and journalists allege the existence of secret video recordings intended to sway voters by exposing alleged corruption linked to the government. These allegations implicate Jansa’s party and a private foreign agency, with intelligence reportedly gathered to support the claims.
Jansa has acknowledged contact with an advisor from Black Cube, a private intelligence firm, but denies any involvement in election interference. Slovenian authorities have confirmed that representatives of Black Cube visited Slovenia on four occasions in recent months, including a visit to a street in Ljubljana where the SDS party headquarters are located.
At an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, Golob called for a European Union investigation into the allegations. “It is so vital 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,” Golob stated. He expressed confidence that Slovenian voters would recognize and reject foreign interference.
Black Cube, founded by two former Israeli intelligence agents, has been involved in past controversies, including an operation conducted on behalf of Harvey Weinstein to discredit his accusers. The company maintains that its activities are legal and ethical.
Jansa, during his previous term from 2020-2022, faced criticism for alleged restrictions on media freedoms and undermining the rule of law. He has characterized Golob’s government as a “crime syndicate” and pledged to “accept back” what he describes as a captured state.
Golob, a former energy company manager, came to office in 2022 promising a fresh start for disillusioned voters. However, his government has experienced internal challenges, including cabinet reshuffles, difficulties with healthcare reform, and fluctuating tax policies.
Internationally, Golob’s government has adopted a strongly pro-Palestinian stance, recognizing a Palestinian state in 2024 and banning entry to top Israeli officials. Jansa, conversely, is a staunch supporter of Israel and has criticized the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Slovenia, which joined NATO and the European Union in 2004, has a history of shifting between political blocs since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The country is a member of the Eurozone, having adopted the euro in 2007, and the Schengen Area since 2007, according to the European Union website.
As of 2025, Slovenia has a population of 2,130,850 and a geographical size of 20,273 square kilometers, according to Eurostat data.