The proposal has not been prepared in the form of a bill, TV Slovenia journalist Gregor Drnovšek reported, but should the current government not introduce it, the SDS Party intends to do so once in authority, was emphasized at today's press conference. "The establishment of the national guard is one of the key points of the SDS Party election programme," Žan Mahnič stressed.

According to their proposal the national guard would replace all the current reserve formations of the Slovenian Armed Forces, and it would operate only on the territory of the Republic of Slovenia; it would be formed on regional basis. The SDS party calls for a wide public debate about their proposal.

The national guard would be called up at national disasters, or in changed security situations – like the refugee crisis we are facing, where it would mostly be employed for safeguarding the borders.

"In agreement with Minister of Internal Affairs the national guard might be given the police powers in worsened safety conditions," Aleš Hojs explained.

They believe thousands of patriots will respond
The SDS Party explains that the national guard would welcome representatives of both sexes, i.e. all the patriots, all of them volunteers.

Initially the population between the age of 18 and 35 would be the target group. They are confident that up to 25,000 members would join the formation. They would be under direct authority of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces.

T. H.
Translated by G. K.