Slovenia’s government has announced an emergency package of security and social reforms after a fatal assault allegedly committed by a Roma man in Novo Mesto triggered mass protests and public outrage. Prime Minister Robert Golob presented an omnibus bill expanding police powers and tightening penalties for repeat offenders, saying the goal was to restore safety in the country’s southeast. The measures include allowing police to conduct raids, close public spaces, and enter private property without warrants in high-risk situations.
The reforms also introduce restrictions on welfare benefits, enabling authorities to seize or limit payments to repeat offenders and abolish child allowances for underage mothers—changes Golob defended as tackling systemic abuse. While he insisted the law is not directed against the Roma community, critics argue the measures risk deepening social divisions.
The crisis has already forced the resignations of two ministers and intensified political pressure ahead of next year’s elections, with right-wing opposition parties seizing on the government’s admission of systemic failure.
