A referendum in Slovenia will decide on a law providing additional pensions to artists with exceptional achievements. The law, passed on January 30, 2025, offers full supplements to Prešeren Award recipients and half supplements to those with Prešeren Fund awards or state artistic distinctions, along with at least one more from a list of 23 awards.
The SDS party, initiating the referendum, argues the law expands eligibility, lacks transparency, and gives higher supplements to those with lower pension contributions. They claim the government underestimates the financial implications. Conversely, the government argues that the referendum is a political tactic by the SDS party before the election and encourages a boycott.
The referendum requires over 50% of voters to reject the law, representing at least one-fifth of all eligible voters (338,671 votes). If the law fails, a 1974 law will remain in effect, which is criticized for its unequal treatment and inadequate criteria. If the quorum is not met, the new law will take effect.
Currently, 83 individuals receive exceptional pensions, with an anticipated increase. The government estimates a yearly cost of €190,000, whereas the referendum's initiators believe this is an underestimate. The referendum itself is projected to cost approximately €6.6 million.
The article compares the proposed artist's pensions to those given to athletes, who receive supplements based on Olympic or Paralympic achievements. In 2023, €1.36 million was paid to 87 athletes. The eligibility criteria for athletes are considered more transparent than those proposed for the artists.