Slovenia's Election: A Pivotal Moment for Romani Rights Amid Rising Anti-Romany Sentiment

As Slovenia approaches a crucial election this Sunday, campaigners have raised alarms over a troubling rise in anti-Romany rhetoric, creating a palpable atmosphere of anxiety in one of Europe’s most marginalized communities. The political landscape is dominated by a contest between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob of the center-left Freedom Movement party and right-wing populist Janez Janša, an ally of Donald Trump, leading to fears about the future treatment of the Romani population in Slovenia. Polls show Janša's Slovenian Democratic Party has a narrow edge, though analysts anticipate neither candidate will likely achieve a clear majority in Slovenia's 90-seat parliament. As accusations of corruption and governance plagued both candidates in the build-up to the vote, a concerning narrative has emerged—one that scapegoats the Romani community as a means of political gain. Zvonko Golobič, who heads the Association for the Development of the Roma Community, expressed the sentiment many in the community feel, stating, "We Roma are facing two evils here in the election, the question is who is less evil." With an estimated 12,000 Roma living in Slovenia, the community has faced systemic challenges, including dramatic disparities in life expectancy and access to basic services compared to the general population. Reports from Amnesty International have highlighted severe social inequities, revealing that life expectancy for the Romani population is significantly lower—by 22 years—as compared to their Slovenian counterparts, while infant mortality rates are more than four times higher. This context of vulnerability has been further aggravated by new legislation perceived as targeting Romani neighborhoods, allowing police to conduct warrantless raids in so-called high-risk areas under the controversial Šutar law, enacted after a tragic incident involving a member of the Romani community. Amnesty has criticized the government’s attempt to justify such measures against crime, noting the discriminatory impact they would have on Romani individuals. Esther Major, Amnesty's deputy director for research in Europe, said that despite the government's claims, the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding security measures creates a palpable fear that they could be weaponized against the Romani population. Haris Tahirović, president of an umbrella organization for Romani communities throughout Slovenia, has emphasized the anxiety permeating the community, stating, "At this moment Roma are really afraid of who will come to power and what the political options will be after the elections." The stakes are particularly high as both main candidates have exhibited troubling attitudes towards the Romani community, with Janša hinting at even harsher penalties and increased scrutiny of Romani neighborhoods if he regains power. With Golob's government already accused of setting a precedent for discrimination through the implementation of the Šutar law, many fear that a Janša return could exacerbate the plight of the Romani people. Janša has also pledged to cut funding for civil society organizations, which would severely undermine the ability of the Romani community to advocate for their rights and needs. As the election unfolds, the political atmosphere has been intensified by allegations of corruption against both leading candidates, notably a recent investigation that connects Janša to the controversial Israeli company Black Cube, previously infamous for its ties to influential figures attempting to evade scrutiny. Commentators are characterizing these elections as potentially the most pivotal in Slovenia’s history. Robert Botteri, an editor at Mladina magazine, stated, "These are perhaps the most important elections ever in Slovenia because they will decide if Slovenia remains a democratic welfare state or it aligns with illiberal democracies." This election not only represents a moment of choice for the Slovenian electorate but also serves as a referendum on the future of one of Europe’s most vulnerable minorities—the Roma—whose empowerment and rights remain at the mercy of electoral outcomes. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2