Slovenian Prime Minister Denies Accusations Of Police Interference Amid Anti-Graft Probe

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob firmly rejected allegations of interfering in police staffing after testifying before the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) on Wednesday. The investigation, which had been suspended due to technical issues, was re-launched in November 2023 following accusations from former Interior Minister Tatjana Bobnar.

Bobnar claimed that Golob had pressured her to influence staffing decisions within the police force. She reported these allegations to both the police and the prosecutor’s office, and presented the case to the parliamentary investigative commission.

Golob vehemently denied the accusations, calling them fabricated and baseless. “I gave all the explanations to the commission and completely rejected all the accusations,” he said after his testimony. “Now it’s time for evidence and witnesses.”

Golob also criticized the proceedings, labeling them a “farce” and stating that the investigation stemmed from his stance on depoliticizing the police force, a commitment made during his election campaign. He emphasized that his administration aimed to reverse the previous government’s efforts to exert political influence over the police.

In addition to the KPK investigation, the police have filed a separate criminal complaint against Golob, accusing him of offering gifts in exchange for unlawful intermediation. The prosecutor’s office is now considering whether to dismiss the charges or pursue further legal action.