After a few days of silence the Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Stanka Setnikar Cankar, has revealed some of the other saving measures – worth 10 million euros in total. After falling short in the pay negotiations, the ministry will now have to look for additional savings amounting to tens of millions of euros.

The minister did not say where the cuts would be made and to what extent. She does hope though that her ministry will manage to find a solution despite the Finance Ministry's high expectations. However not at any cost: "If I find that the field of education is about to pay a price which is too high, I will seriously think about offering my resignation."

Some of the measures have already been in effect since the 1st of January – lower costs at the ministry, lower costs for the ‘matura’ exam and for the preparations for the ‘matura’ exam. High schools are to receive less funds, a limited number of student places will be offered at private music schools, there will be less money for extra-curricular activities in primary schools. School field trips will be financed only for children coming from socially vulnerable families. The extra payment for teachers providing extra assistance to pupils with special needs will be cut.

The minister also announced that some of the measure could still be softened or changed.

T. H., MMC;
translated by K. J.