Stanislav Veniger, who was appointed Police Commissioner during Janez Janša's government, will be replaced by the current head of Criminal Police, Marjan Fank. The change was proposed by Interior Minister Vesna Györkös Žnidar. The new appointment is in line with the minister's "vision" in leading the portfolio.

Questionable salary bonuses
Unofficially Veniger was relieved from duty because he still received salary bonuses for previously working in Geneva, although his office was in Ljubljana. Findings by the Anti-Corruption Commission say he is supposed to return around 80 thousand euros of overpaid bonuses. However with the passing of the new Civil Servants Act, Veniger now only has to pay back around 8.000 euros. A sum he will now surely not have any problems returning, as the Interior Minister confirmed that Veniger will also receive severance pay.

Different reactions
The replacement of the police chief has already triggered first reactions. The president of the Police Trade Union, Radivoj Uroševič, warns that it is essential for the police to have a leadership. Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec says he trusts the PM and the responsible minister to appoint the right staff. The opposition New Slovenia NSi party was more critical. The party is of the opinion that such changes destabilize the country' security and defence systems.

Veniger will be replaced by the head of Criminal Police, 47-year-old Marjan Fank. Fank will become the 10th Police Commissioner. He holds a masters degree in security studies and has been employed with the police since 1984. Fank is also very popular among his criminal investigator colleagues, as he is considered to be fair and professional.

Robert Škrjanc, Radio Slovenija;
translated by K. J.