Apart from stabilizing the country's public finances, one of the more important challenges for the new government should be the ageing of Slovenia's population, and the consequences that go along with it. Studies show that in the future, expenses for providing long-term care will only increase.

Out of all the countries in the European Union, the ageing population will affect the sustainability of public finances in Slovenia the most. Recommendations from Brussels issued in the past month also warn about it.
In the past 15 years the share of those older than 65 years of age has increased by more than 4 percent. The elderly population already makes up around 15 percent of the entire population.

Long-term care is still not systematically regulated in Slovenia. It is provided through separate systems of social security. The legislation that should regulate this area has been in writing for more than 10 years now, even though those responsible are well aware of the consequences.

"The consequences are such that they are difficult to recognize in a short period. However if we look at things in the long run, there will be changes that will fundamentally change our society," says Aleš Kenda from the Ministry of Labour.

The European Commission advises Slovenia to lower expenses for long-term care. How? By directing benefits to those most in need of help, and redirecting people from institutional care to home care. The total collapse of our health system is only a question of time.

"The fact is that we're not critical enough of the big difference between the current situation and the way it's supposed to be," warns Nadja Čobal from the Ministry of Health.
All the governments so far have mostly emphasized the need for change in the areas regulating pensions and health care. However it is quite obvious that it will also be necessary to bite the bullet of long-term care.

Urška Valjavec, Radio Slovenija ; translated by K. J.