Slovenia’s last-minute change of Commissioner nominees has led to a heated spat between Prime Minister Robert Golob and the opposition. Golob accuses the opposition of sabotaging the process, while the opposition, particularly the SDS party, insists on following procedures. The original nominee, Tomaž Vesel, resigned last week, and Marta Kos was named as a replacement candidate. However, the parliamentary committee for EU affairs, chaired by SDS MP Franc Breznik, refused to schedule Kos’ hearing until they received a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requesting Vesel’s withdrawal. This delay has further complicated the process.
Golob had hoped that Kos’ nomination would be finalized in time for von der Leyen’s allocation of portfolios this week, but the refusal to schedule her hearing has created a new obstacle. While the law grants up to two weeks to conduct the hearing, demands to expedite the process have not been met. This delay has led to criticism of the Prime Minister, with opposition parties claiming that he is not protecting Slovenia’s sovereignty within the European Union. SDS MEP Romana Tomc defended the decision to delay Kos’ hearing, accusing Golob of damaging Slovenia’s reputation in Brussels.
Former ambassador Marta Kos has faced criticism and controversy in the past, which has made her nomination more controversial. Despite her unanimous nomination by the government, there are concerns that she may not be suitable for the job. Kos’ previous roles and actions have raised doubts about her qualifications and ability to secure the support of the Slovenian delegation in the European Parliament. The opposition, particularly the SDS party, has raised concerns about her past as an ambassador and allegations of mismanagement during her time in Switzerland.
The nomination process for Slovenia’s Commissioner has become a point of contention between the government and the opposition, with accusations of sabotage and delays marring the selection process. Prime Minister Golob has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, while the opposition has defended their insistence on following established procedures. The delay in confirming Marta Kos’ nomination has further complicated the process, with concerns about her suitability for the role raised by opposition parties. The ongoing dispute has highlighted the political tensions within Slovenia and the challenges faced in selecting a new Commissioner. The outcome of this controversy remains uncertain as the nomination process continues to unfold.
