The new head of the Slovenian parliament, Zoran Stevanovic, announced his intention to initiate a referendum on the country's exit from NATO and establish relations with Russia. He also plans a visit to Moscow in the near future. This is reported by 'Glavcom'.
Slovenia and NATO: why the possible exit is being discussed
Stevanovic emphasized that the country should pursue an independent policy and cooperate with all states regardless of geopolitical blocks.
«I would like to build bridges, to cooperate well with all countries, regardless of the wall that has been built between the West and the East. So I plan to visit Moscow soon», — he stated.
The politician confirmed the intention to hold a referendum on exiting the North Atlantic Alliance:
«We promised the people a referendum on exiting NATO and that we will hold this referendum».
Slovenia's policy: course towards Moscow and Russia's reaction
In addition, the speaker advocated for the gradual lifting of anti-Russian sanctions, emphasizing that his position is not pro-Russian, but «pro-Slovene».
«I have no pro-Russian views, only pro-Slovene ones. We affirm that Slovenia must conduct its policy independently and sovereignly», — he explained.
Main statements of the politician:
plans to visit Moscow
initiates a referendum on exiting NATO
speaks for lifting sanctions against the Russian Federation
calls for a neutral foreign policy.
The State Duma of Russia has already stated its readiness for «constructive dialogue» with the new leadership of the Slovenian parliament.
The election of Stevanovic came as a surprise since another political force — the «Freedom Movement» of Prime Minister Robert Golob — won the parliamentary elections. The new speaker heads the Resni.ca party, which the media describe as Eurosceptic.
Slovenia joined NATO in 2004 after a referendum in which about two-thirds of citizens supported membership in the Alliance. Since then, the country has adhered to a Euro-Atlantic course.
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The statements came against the backdrop of changes in the political balance of the EU, where the weakening of certain leaders' positions may affect decisions on sanctions, the budget, and support for Ukraine.
Recall that parliamentary elections took place in Slovenia in March.