V novi epizodi vladnega podkasta GOVSI predstavljamo evropsko prestolnico kulture 2025, Novo Gorico, ki je k sodelovanju povabila čezmejno Gorico. Z direktorico GO! 2025, gospo Mijo Lorbek, in programskim direktorjem, dr. Stojanom Pelkom, se je pogovarjala mag. Polona Prešeren. 

Na slovenski kulturni praznik, 8. februarja, bosta Nova Gorica in Gorica z umetniškim spektaklom, ki bo vrhunec celodnevnega dogajanja, začeli pripovedovati zgodbo 'Gremo čezmejno'/Go Borderless.  

S sogovornikoma smo se pogovarjali o prehojeni poti Nove Gorice, ki se je začela leta 2016 začela z idejo, ki sta jo podala Neda Rusjan Bric, danes režiserka otvoritvene slovesnosti, in takratni župan Nove Gorice, Matej Arčon, danes minister. Predlagala sta, da bi bila slovenska prestolnica kulture malce drugačna, in sicer da bi povedala zgodbo čezmejnosti, ki je v tem prostoru tlela že nekaj časa. 

Čezmejnost je za ta prostor avtentična in izhaja iz zgodovine. Da bi jo osvetlili, je slovenska Nova Gorica k skupni kandidaturi povabilo italijansko Gorico, kar se je izkazalo za zmagovalno kombinacijo. Projekt predstavlja velik korak na poti uresničitve ambicioznega cilja, da mesti in družbi premagata fizične in mentalne meje. 

Vabljeni k poslušanju na vaši priljubljeni platformi in ogledu! 

[ENGLISH VERSION]

First cross-border capital of culture 

In the latest episode of the government podcast GOVSI, we present the European Capital of Culture 2025, Nova Gorica, which has invited the cross-border city of Gorizia to cooperate. Polona Prešeren spoke with the director of GO! 2025, Ms. Mija Lorbek, and the program director, Dr. Stojan Pelko. 

On Slovenian Cultural Holyday, February 8, Nova Gorica and Gorizia will launch the story "Go Cross-Border" with an artistic spectacle – the highlight of a full day of events. 

We discussed with our guests the journey of Nova Gorica, which began in 2016 with an idea proposed by Neda Rusjan Bric, now the director of the opening ceremony, and Matej Arčon, then the mayor of Nova Gorica and now a minister. They suggested that Slovenia’s Capital of Culture should be something different – a reflection of cross-border identity, which had long been present in this space. 

Cross-border cooperation is authentic to this region and rooted in its history. To highlight this, Nova Gorica invited the Italian city of Gorizia to join in a shared bid, which proved to be a winning combination. The European Capital of Culture project therefore is a major step toward achieving an ambitious goal: overcoming physical and mental boundaries between the two cities and two communities. 

Tune in on your favourite platform to listen or watch and enjoy the experience! 

V prvi letošnji epizodi vladnega podkasta GOVSI ministrica za zdravje dr. Valentina Prevolnik Rupel predstavlja sveže potrjeno novelo zakona za prenovo zdravstvenega sistema. 

Osrednja tema so izboljšave, ki zagotavljajo boljšo dostopnost do zdravstvenih storitev, višjo kakovost obravnave za paciente ter stabilnost in finančno vzdržnost javnega zdravstva. Ministrica pojasnjuje, kako nova zakonodaja uvaja pravičnejše nagrajevanje zdravstvenega osebja, jasnejšo ureditev javne zdravstvene mreže in učinkovitejše upravljanje čakalnih vrst.

Voditeljica Petra Bezjak Cirman z gostjo razpravlja o prizadevanjih za večjo motivacijo zdravnikov, regulaciji dela v javnem in zasebnem sektorju ter o zagotavljanju dolgoročne kakovosti in varnosti v zdravstvenem sistemu. Nova epizoda ponuja poglobljen vpogled v spremembe, ki vplivajo na vse prebivalce Slovenije.

Vabljeni k poslušanju na vaši priljubljeni platformi in ogledu!

[ENGLISH VERSION]
Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

In the first episode of this year’s GovSI podcast, the Minister of Health, Dr. Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, discusses the recently approved amendment to the healthcare system reform act.

The main focus is on improvements ensuring better access to healthcare services, higher quality patient care, and the stability and financial sustainability of public healthcare. The Minister explains how the new legislation introduces fairer compensation for healthcare workers, clearer regulation of the public healthcare network, and more effective management of waiting times.

Host Petra Bezjak Cirman and her guest delve into efforts to enhance the motivation of doctors, regulate work in the public and private sectors, and ensure long-term quality and safety within the healthcare system. This new episode offers an in-depth look at reforms affecting all Slovenian citizens.

You are invited to watch and tune in on your favorite platform! 

V novi epizodi vladnega podkasta GOVSI, ki ga je vodila Petra Bezjak Cirman, smo se poglobili v svet statistike z gostom Apolonijo Oblak Flander, generalnim direktorjem Statističnega urada Republike Slovenije (SURS), in Martinom Bajželjem, vodjo sektorja za objavo podatkov in komuniciranje. Govorili so o pomenu statistike za vsakdanje odločitve, vodenje družbe in razvoj gospodarstva. 

Statistika je pogosto napačno razumljena kot suhoparno obdelovanje števila. A kot sta poudarjena gosta, predstavlja osrednje orodje za razumevanje družbenih in gospodarskih tokov. »Država brez statistike ne more delovati,« je izpostavila Oblak Flander. Podatki, ki jih SURS zagotavlja, zagotavlja podjetjem, prebivalcem in državam sprejema premišljene odločitve. Od oblikovanja turistične strategije do spremljanja demografskih sprememb – statistika je vtkana v vse ravni družbenega delovanja.

V oddaji so spregovorili tudi o prisotnosti Sursa na družbenih omrežjih. Da bi okrepili zanimanje javnosti za podatke, se je na svojih profilih razvil edinstven pristop, ki združuje strokovnost v humorju. Bajželj je razkril, da je tako prvič posegel po bolj sproščeni komunikaciji leta 2013 med evropskim prvenstvom v košarki. Odličen odziv jih je spodbudil, da podatke danes pogosto predstavljajo na zabaven in kreativen način. »Naš cilj je podatke narediti dostopne in zanimive tudi tistim, ki se sicer ne uporabljajo,« je še poudaril.

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu podkasta. 

[ANGLEŠKA RAZLIČICA]
Making Better Decisions and Finding Humor - with statistics

In the new episode of the government GOVSI podcast, hosted by Petra Bezjak Cirman, we delved into the world of statistics with guests Apolonija Oblak Flander, Director-General of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SURS), and Martin Bajželj, Head of the Data Publishing and Communication Sector. They discussed the importance of statistics for everyday decision-making, societal governance, and economic development.

Statistics are often mistakenly perceived as dry number crunching. However, as the guests emphasized, it is a key tool for understanding social and economic trends. »A state cannot function without statistics,« highlighted Oblak Flander. The data provided by SURS enable businesses, residents, and the government to make informed decisions. From shaping tourism strategies to monitoring demographic changes—statistics are embedded in all levels of societal functioning.

The episode also touched on the SURS's presence on social media. To enhance public interest in data, they have developed a unique approach on their profiles, combining professionalism with humor. Bajželj revealed that they first adopted a more relaxed communication style in 2013 during the European Basketball Championship. The excellent response encouraged them to often present data in a fun and creative way today. »Our goal is to make data accessible and interesting even to those who don’t typically use it,« he added.

You are invited to listen and watch the episode.

V najnovejši, že 15. epizodi podkasta GOVSI, je gostja glavna inšpektorica Inšpektorata za delo, Katja Čoh Kragolnik. Voditelj Zoran Potič je z njo razpravljal o aktualnih vprašanjih delavskih pravic, zakonodaje ter vlogi inšpektorata v praksi. 

V Sloveniji imamo trenutno rekordno nizko brezposelnost in skoraj milijon zaposlenih, je glavna inšpektorica Čoh Kragolnik poudarila, da nizka brezposelnost ne pomeni nujno manjšega števila kršitev delavskih pravic. Med najpogostejšimi kršitvami je izpostavila neizplačilo plač, regresa in odpravnin, nepravilnosti pri odpovedih pogodb ter kršitve na področju varnosti in zdravja pri delu. 

V pogovoru se dotakneta tudi nove zakonodaje, kot je pravica do odklopa, in odprtih vprašanj v zvezi z beleženjem delovnega časa, kjer se soočajo s sistematičnimi kršitvami. 

Katja Čoh Kragolnik je predstavila tudi delovanje skupine inšpektorjev za hitro odzivanje, ki se osredotoča na najbolj pereče primere kršitev. Poudarila je, da so delavci v Sloveniji enako zaščiteni, ne glede na državljanstvo, vendar opozorila na poskuse obvoda zakonodaje pri zaposlovanju delavcev iz tretjih držav. 

V podkastu je glavna inšpektorica odgovorila tudi na nekaj konkretnih vprašanj, zastavljenih prek vladnih profilov na socialnih omrežjih. 

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu epizode. 

[ENGLISH VERSION]
Gov.si Podcast: On Workers’ Rights and the Labor Inspectorate 

In the latest, 15th episode of the GOVSI podcast, the guest is the Chief Labor Inspector, Katja Čoh Kragolnik. Host Zoran Potič discussed pressing issues surrounding workers’ rights, legislation, and the practical role of the Labor Inspectorate with her. 

While Slovenia currently boasts a record-low unemployment rate and nearly one million employed individuals, Chief Inspector Čoh Kragolnik emphasized that low unemployment does not necessarily mean fewer violations of workers’ rights. Among the most common violations, she highlighted non-payment of wages, holiday allowances, and severance payments, irregularities in contract terminations, and breaches of occupational health and safety regulations. 

The conversation also touched upon new legislation, such as the right to disconnect, and unresolved issues related to recording working hours, where systematic violations are being observed. 

Katja Čoh Kragolnik also introduced the operations of the rapid-response inspector team, which focuses on the most pressing cases of violations. She stressed that workers in Slovenia are equally protected regardless of their citizenship but pointed out attempts to circumvent legislation when employing workers from third countries. 

In the podcast, the Chief Inspector also addressed specific questions posed through government social media profiles. 

You are invited to listen and watch the episode.   

Državni zbor je včeraj potrdil zakon o plačnem sistemu v javnem sektorju. Glavne spremembe vključujejo postopno zviševanje plač, prilagoditve pri napredovanjih in ukrepe za večjo privlačnost javnega sektorja za iskalce zaposlitve.

Kot poudarja Peter Pogačar, generalni direktor Direktorata za javni sektor na Ministrstvu za javno upravo in član vladne pogajalske skupine, je posebej pomembno, da nihče v javnem sektorju ne bo več prejemal osnovne plače, nižje od minimalne.

Naš cilj je ustvariti sodoben in učinkovit javni sektor, ki bo služil prebivalcem. Ureditev plač je pomemben, a šele prvi korak do uresničitve tega cilja, pove Pogačar. 

Vabljeni k poslušanju in gledanju nove epizode podkasta GOVSI. 

(ENGLISH VERSION)

The National Assembly approved the law on the public sector pay system yesterday. This marks the most significant reform in this area over the past 15 years. 

The main changes include gradual pay increases, adjustments in advancement procedures, and measures to make the public sector more attractive to job seekers. As Peter Pogačar, Director General of the Public Sector Directorate at the Ministry of Public Administration and a member of the government negotiating team, highlighted in the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast, it is also crucial that no one in the public sector will receive a base salary below the minimum wage.

"Our goal is a modern and efficient public sector, a modern and effective service for residents. While orderly pay is undoubtedly an important step," Pogačar emphasizes, "this is only the first in a series of many steps ahead."

We invite you to listen and watch. 

V novi oddaji GOVSI podkasta govorimo o civilni obrambi. Z generalnim direktorjem za obrambne zadeve na Ministrstvu za obrambo Boštjanom Pavlinom pojasnjujemo, kaj je bistvo civilne obrambe in kakšna je razlika med civilno obrambo in civilno zaščito.

Gre namreč za dva ločena podsistema nacionalne varnosti: civilna zaščita je namenjena odzivu na naravne nesreče, civilna obramba pa odzivu v kompleksnih krizah in dogodkih. Posamezni elementi in ukrepi, ki se načrtujejo za zagotavljanje civilne obrambe, so bili  aktivirani npr. v času množičnih migracij in med pandemijo COVID-19. Kot je povedal naš sogovornik, pa smo v Sloveniji dobro pripravljeni tudi na različne druge možne kompleksne krize sodobnega časa.

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu podkasta, ki ga tokrat vodi Zoran Potič.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
In this episode of the GOVSI podcast, we discuss civil defense. Together with Boštjan Pavlin, the Director General for Defense Affairs at the Ministry of Defense, we explain the essence of civil defense and the difference between civil defense and civil protection.

These are two separate subsystems of national security: civil protection is intended for responding to natural disasters, while civil defense is aimed at addressing complex crises and events. Certain elements and measures designed for ensuring civil defense were activated, for example, during mass migrations and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to our guest, Slovenia is well-prepared for various other potential complex crises of the modern era as well.

We invite you to listen to and watch the podcast, hosted this time by Zoran Potič.

Dr. Uroš Svete: Vsi sodobni konflikti imajo tudi kibernetsko dimenzijo

Oktober je v mnogih državah in tudi v Sloveniji mesec ozaveščanja o kibernetski varnosti. O tej temi sta se v 12. epizodi GOVSI podkasta pogovarjala direktor Urada vlade za informacijsko varnost dr. Uroš Svete in direktorica Urada vlade za komuniciranje Petra Bezjak Cirman.

Življenja brez interneta si danes ne znamo več predstavljati, žal pa imajo sodobne tehnologije tudi temno plat. Vedno večjo nevarnost predstavljajo kibernetski napadi, ki so v porastu in ogrožajo gospodarstvo, državne institucije in posameznike. Lahko celo ogrozijo varnost države, saj imajo vsi sodobni konflikti tudi kibernetsko dimenzijo.

Kibernetski incident se lahko zgodi tudi meni, tebi, komurkoli, zato dr. Svete v podkastu poudari, da na spletu ni vse varno, zato sicer zaupaj, ampak preveri. Pozorni moramo biti tudi na dezinformacije, ki se velikokrat odvijajo tudi kot naslednja faza kibernetskega napada. Podobno kot smo se naučili cestno prometnih pravil, naj varnost postane neločljiv del uporabe tehnologije.

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu podkasta.

Program Varni na internetu izvaja Nacionalni odzivni center za kibernetsko varnost SI-CERT, ki deluje pod okriljem javnega zavoda Arnes. SI-CERT predstavlja nacionalno kontaktno točko, ki opravlja posredniško in svetovalno vlogo ter prevzema tudi koordinacijo programa ozaveščanja javnosti o informacijski varnosti.

Na posebni spletni strani Dezinformacije najdete definicijo dezinformacij, ključne elemente ter pojasnilo glede tujega manipuliranja z informacijami in vmešavanja (FIMI). Navedeni so tudi nasveti, kako prepoznati dezinformacije in pojasnilo, kaj je globoki ponaredek. Za večjo ozaveščenost prebivalcev izvajamo kampanjo »Ustavimo dezinformacije: preBERI, preMISLI, PREVERI«.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
Dr. Uroš Svete: All Modern Conflicts Have a Cyber Dimension

October is Cyber Security  Month in many countries, including Slovenia. In the 12th episode of the GOVSI podcast, Dr. Uroš Svete, Director of the Government Office for Information Security, and Petra Bezjak Cirman, Director of the Government Office for Communication, discussed this topic.

We can no longer imagine life without the internet today, but unfortunately, modern technologies also have a dark side. Cyberattacks, which are on the rise, pose increasing threats to the economy, state institutions, and individuals. They can even jeopardize national security, as all modern conflicts also have a cyber dimension.

A cyber incident could happen to me, you, or anyone, which is why Dr. Svete emphasizes in the podcast that not everything online is safe. Trust, but verify. We must also be mindful of disinformation, which often follows as the next phase of a cyberattack. Just as we learned the rules of road safety, security should become an inseparable part of using technology.

You are invited to listen to and watch the podcast.

The Safe on the Internet program is run by the national cyber security response center SI-CERT, operating under the public institute Arnes. SI-CERT serves as the national contact point, fulfilling a mediating and advisory role, and also coordinates the public awareness program on information security.

On the special website Disinformation, you can find a definition of disinformation, key elements, and an explanation regarding foreign manipulation of information and interference (FIMI). It also includes advice on how to recognize disinformation and an explanation of what deepfakes are. To raise public awareness, we are conducting the campaign »Stop disinformation – reREAD, reTHINK,

V novi epizodi se je voditelj Zoran Potič pogovarjal z uglednim ameriškim profesorjem na področju komuniciranja in javne diplomacije Nicholasom J. Cullom. Govorila sta o zgodovini dezinformacij, značilnosti dezinformacij dandanes ter izzivih, ki jih za demokracijo prinašajo sodobne tehnologije in vse večje količine (dez)informacij.

»Sovražnik pravzaprav ni več ideologija, temveč resnica sama. Demokracija je napadena, zato moramo zgraditi informirano družbo, ki se bo zavedala nevarnosti dezinformacij in umetne inteligence,« je med drugim povedal gost, ki je eden vodilnih učenjakov na področju mednarodnih odnosov in tako imenovane mehke moči.

Nicholas J. Cull je zgodovinar, katerega raziskave se osredotočajo na vpliv javne diplomacije ter na to, kako države uporabljajo kulturo in medijske strategije, da oblikujejo svojo globalno podobo. Je avtor številnih vplivnih knjig, med drugim Javna diplomacija: Nauki iz preteklosti (angleško: Public Diplomacy: Lessons from the Past) ter Javna diplomacija: Temelji za globalno udejstvovanje v digitalni dobi (angleško: Foundations for Global Engagement in the Digital Age). Je ustanovni direktor programa javne diplomacije na Univerzi Južne Kalifornije, kjer poučuje še danes.

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu podkasta.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
GOVSI Podcast: »Democracy is under attack«

In the latest episode, Zoran Potič hosted distinguished American professor in the field of communication and public diplomacy, Nicholas J. Cull. They discussed the history of disinformation, the characteristics of disinformation today, and the challenges modern technologies and the increasing amounts of (dis)information pose to democracy. 

»The enemy is no longer really an ideology, but the truth itself. Democracy is under attack, so we must build an informed society that is aware of the dangers of disinformation and artificial intelligence,« said the guest, who is one of the leading scholars in the field of international relations and so-called soft power.

Nicholas J. Cull is a historian whose research focuses on the impact of public diplomacy and how countries use culture and media strategies to shape their global image. He is the author of several influential books, including Public Diplomacy: Lessons from the Past and Public Diplomacy: Foundations for Global Engagement in the Digital Age. He is the founding director of the public diplomacy program at the University of Southern California, where he still teaches today.

You are invited to watch and listen.

Te dni mineva eno leto od katastrofalnih poplav, ki so lanskega avgusta prizadele velik del Slovenije. Država se je hitro odzvala na dogodek izrednih razsežnosti, uspešno izpeljala intervencijo in kasneje tudi sprejela številne ukrepe za odpravljanje posledic poplav. Eden ključnih ljudi, ki so v tistih dneh vodili intervencijo in reševali življenja ljudi, je poveljnik Civilne zaščite Srečko Šestan.

Srečko Šestan je že vrsto let najprepoznavnejši obraz Civilne zaščite in eden od prvih, ki pomiri zaskrbljene ljudi, ko nastopijo krize. Od leta 1996 je zaposlen na Ministrstvu za obrambo, na področju varstva pred naravnimi in drugimi nesrečami pa je bil aktiven že pred tem. V 12 letih, odkar opravlja naloge poveljnika Civilne zaščite, je za spopadanje z nepredvidljivo naravo in drugimi nesrečami 16-krat aktiviral državne načrte zaščite in reševanja. V teh letih si je skozi številna vodenja intervencij pridobil zaupanje in spoštovanje ljudi. Je premišljen, strokoven, požrtvovalen, s čutom za pripadnost, solidarnost in humanitarnost.

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu epizode.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
GOVSI Podcast: A well-designed system of protection and rescue is essential for a successful first response. 

It has been one year since the catastrophic floods affected a large part of Slovenia. The Government promptly responded to this extreme event and did much to ameliorate the immediate effects. Later, it also adopted many measures for flood recovery. One of the key people who led the first response and saved lives was Civil Protection Commander Srečko Šestan. 

Srečko Šestan has been the best-known representative of Civil Protection for many years and is one of the first to reassure worried people when a crisis arises. He has been employed at the Ministry of Defence since 1996, but was involved in protection against natural and other disasters even before that. In the 12 years of his service as the Civil Protection Commander, he activated the National Emergency Response Plan 16 times to fight the unpredictable effects of natural and other disasters. In leading many crisis responses over these years, he has earned people's trust and respect. He is thoughtful, professional, dedicated and has a sense of belonging, solidarity and humanitarianism.

 You are invited to listen and watch the episode. 

Z novo epizodo GOVSI podkasta odštevamo še zadnje dni do olimpijskih iger v Parizu. V studiu smo gostili predsednika Olimpijskega komiteja Slovenija Franja Bobinca. Z njim se je pogovarjala direktorica Urada RS za komuniciranje Petra Bezjak Cirman.

Slovenijo bo v Parizu zastopala najštevilnejša reprezentanca doslej, saj šteje kar 90 članov. Čeprav bi si posebno omembo zaslužil prav vsak med njimi, naj tokrat posebej izpostavimo žensko rokometno reprezentanco, saj gre za prvo uvrstitev na OI za kateri koli ženski ekipni šport pri nas. 

Pariz je tokrat že tretjič prizorišče olimpijskih iger. Tiste pred natanko sto leti, leta 1924, so za nas še posebej znamenite, saj je olimpionik Leon Štukelj tam postal prvi Slovenec z osvojeno zlato medaljo.

Če boste med 26. julijem in 11. avgustom med navijači, priporočamo, da si preberete informacije, namenjene slovenskim državljanom. Sicer pa - kot v podkastu poudari tokratni gost – kjer koli že boste, verjamemo, da bo od 26. julija dalje vsa Slovenija dihala z našimi športnicami in športniki kot eno. 

Pariz, prihajamo! 

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu epizode.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
GOVSI Podcast: Paris, here we come! 

With the new episode of the GOVSI podcast, we are counting down the last days until the Olympic Games in Paris. In the studio, we hosted the president of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, Franjo Bobinac. Petra Bezjak Cirman, director of the Office of Communications of the Republic of Slovenia, spoke with him. 

Slovenia will be represented in Paris by the largest national team ever, with as many as 90 members. Although each of them deserves a special mention, let's single out the women's handball national team this time, as it is the first placement at the OI for any women's team sport in our country. 

Paris is the venue of the Olympic Games for the third time. Those exactly one hundred years ago, in 1924, are particularly famous for us, as Olympian Leon Štukelj became the first Slovenian to win a gold medal there. 

If you will be among the fans between July 26 and August 11, we recommend that you read the information intended for Slovenian citizens. Otherwise - as this time's guest points out in the podcast - wherever you are, we believe that from July 26, all of Slovenia will breathe with our athletes as one. 

Paris, here we come! 

You are invited to listen and watch the episode.