Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
had been financing their operations by running up huge debts (not unlike individuals com-
mitting to a mortgage they'd never be able to afford). As all of Europe's bubble burst in
2008, those corporate debts were assumed by Slovenia's big banks—devastating the eco-
nomy and sparking even more financial worries here than in many other countries.
alition in the 2011 parliamentary elections, his rival Janez Janša became prime minister.
Then, in the winter of 2012-2013, a massive wave of protests swept the country. Slovenes
were outraged at the austerity measures proposed by the same government officials whose
alleged corruption had worsened their economic straits. Economists began to speculate that
Slovenia might need to ask for a Greece-style bailout from the EU to rescue its flagging
economy. Janša was forced from office, succeeded by a sternly anti-corruption candidate,
Alenka Bratušek. A government commission ultimately alleged corruption on the part of
both Janša and Jankovi
ć
, effectively ending their aspirations on the national political stage.
Protests have died down and the economy has righted itself without international interven-
tion, but Slovenes still feel stung and remain deeply suspicious of their politicians.
While the worldwide economic crisis has taken its toll, business here is brisk. As
throughout their history, the Slovenes are adjusting to the 21st century with their character-
istic sense of humor and easygoing attitude.
