News
China could find a new friend in the central European EU state of Slovenia. The right-wing populist Janez Janša, who recently went toe-to-toe with Beijing, has been voted out of office. Foreign policy played virtually no role in the election campaign, and the designated government under Robert Golob is primarily focused on economic growth.
By Amelie Richter
Slovenia took over the EU Council presidency at the beginning of July. While the rest of Europe is either at odds with China or striving for particularly good relations, the small country is showing itself to be decidedly relaxed here and is not joining in the polarisation. Far East policy is therefore at the bottom of the agenda, contrary to the trend. Meanwhile criticism of Prime Minister Janša is being voiced in Brussels. He lacks the necessary credibility vis-à-vis Beijing because of weaknesses in the rule of law. France therefore wants to monitor him closely.
By Amelie Richter