Interview with Zoran Stevanović, The President of the National Assembly of Slovenia
Mr. Stevanović assumed office as the 17th President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia on April 10, 2026. He was elected by the Parliament in a 48:29 vote, taking over from the former speaker, Urška Klakočar Zupančič.
Internationalis had the honour of interviewing the second most important person in the country, right after the President of the Republic, during his bilateral visit to Serbia in mid-June 2026.
Resilience is often associated with the ability to withstand shocks. Looking back at the crises Europe has faced in recent years—from the pandemic to inflation and geopolitical tensions. What has Slovenia learned from the past, and are there some lessons that are being ignored?
The experience of past crises confirms the necessity of consistently upholding constitutional principles, as violations of the Constitution create deep divisions within society. The resilience of the state is also strengthened by preserving the highest possible degree of independence in protecting national interests. Cooperation with international organizations is both valuable and beneficial, while safeguarding national sovereignty and identity remains of paramount importance. Slovenia must continue to build its future on solid legal foundations that protect the rights of every individual. The Constitution is a commitment that must be upheld consistently and without exception.
Your political journey has taken you from leading protests outside institutions to presiding over one of the country’s most important institutions. What has this transition taught you about leadership, responsibility and the role of institutions in building a resilient society?
Assuming the office of Speaker carries a significant level of responsibility across many areas. Leadership is founded on bringing together different perspectives and applying the same standards to all participants in the parliamentary process. Consistent adherence to the Rules of Procedure and the rule of law ensures fairness and institutional integrity. Parliament serves as an effective instrument for advancing the common good, with every action directed toward strengthening parliamentary democracy and serving the people. The objective is to establish a high standard of professionalism and integrity, demonstrated through decisive and responsible leadership.
Your first bilateral visit as President of the National Assembly was to Serbia, a country with which Slovenia shares deep economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. At a time when Europe is facing growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important. Looking ahead to the future, what would success look like for Slovenian-Serbian relations, and where do you see the greatest untapped opportunities for strengthening the resilience, competitiveness and prosperity of both countries and the wider region?
Successful relations with the Republic of Serbia must be based on a stable and predictable partnership founded on regular political dialogue, mutual trust, and Serbia’s clear progress on its path toward European Union membership. This was one of the central topics discussed with all interlocutors during the official visit. Further opportunities for development lie in strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, digital transformation, research, and education. Foreign policy should be based on building bridges, encouraging dialogue, and seeking peaceful solutions. Slovenia will therefore continue to play its role as a bridge-builder and a trusted partner while supporting the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union, as this represents an important contribution to the stability, resilience, and long-term prosperity of the entire region.
Slovenia has long been successful as a country of excellent manufacturers and suppliers. Peter Wostner of UMAR has argued that the country’s next development phase requires a transition from being primarily a producer of other people’s ideas to becoming a creator of its own innovations, technologies and globally recognized brands. What needs to happen for Slovenia to make that transition while maintaining social cohesion, economic competitiveness and long-term resilience?
The transition to a development model driven by domestic innovation requires greater economic freedom and further market liberalization. Reducing the tax burden and eliminating unnecessary regulations foster the entrepreneurial and creative potential of businesses. Home-grown technologies and national brands are essential to ensuring the long-term resilience of the economy. At the same time, social cohesion is maintained by providing people with the prospect of fair compensation for their work. The state’s role is to create an environment that enables prosperity across all segments of society. The ultimate goal is to transform Slovenia from a producer of others’ ideas into a creator of its own future.
You often speak about citizens feeling unheard and disconnected from decision-makers. In your view, what is the biggest reason for the erosion of trust in Slovenia’s institutions, and what would it take to rebuild that trust?
Citizens’ trust in state institutions stems from their full inclusion in decision-making processes. The current decline in trust is driven by a widespread feeling of being overlooked, as many citizens perceive themselves to be burdened by the interests of elites. Restoring trust requires strengthening direct democracy, where every individual actively participates in decisions on key issues. The sovereignty of the people remains the fundamental guiding principle that ensures the stability of the social order. Decision-making power belongs to the people who build this country through their work, enabling a high degree of autonomy in expressing their will at every level.
About Values, Truth, and the Foundations of Society
“Truth is an absolute constant that guides all political action. Strengthening integrity and maintaining a determined fight against corruption remain among the essential preconditions for the fair, effective, and sustainable development of society. Equality before the law applies to every public office holder and requires the highest standards of personal accountability and discipline. The traditional family represents the fundamental social unit that provides the foundation for the stable development of the nation. Raising good and responsible people is the most important mission of every individual. The well-being of citizens rests on a sense of security, justice, and confidence in a stable and reliable system.” – Zoran Stevanović
