The Prime Minister’s cabinet said that Cerar decided to mount a no confidence vote after Bizjak Mlakar refused to hand in her resignation.

Cerar said that culture, in its broadest sense, is of vital importance to Slovenia’s national identity, and the Culture Minister plays a key role in promoting a country’s cultural heritage. However, Cerar stressed that Bizjak Mlakar failed to do that. Her Ministry’s failure to take over the Idrija mercury mine was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “The minister did not live up to her role as a connector, and she failed to properly implement the National Culture Programme,” said Cerar. He believes that Bizjak Mlakar’s efforts to find a different solution for the mercury mine and the people working in that mine were a waste of time. The mine will be closed down before the end of the month.

Lack of initiative and dialogue
Cerar stressed that it is not possible to run a government if one of its members is not willing to search for solutions. He complained that during her tenure, the Culture Ministry did not draft enough legislative proposals. He also criticized the amendments to the hastily-crafted Media Act that were drawn up by the Culture Ministry.

L. L.; translated by D. V.