Investigation into potential corrupt activities of Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob concluded, will he resign?

(Patria) - The investigation by the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) against Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob in the case of former Interior Minister Tatjana Bobnar has been concluded.

The KPK Senate adopted and already delivered to Golob a draft of the final findings, in which, according to information from 24ur.com, they determined that the Prime Minister violated the Integrity and Prevention of Corruption Act when he politically pressured the police.

Golob's lawyer states that he and the Prime Minister have already responded to the KPK's findings and that "all options are still open." However, it remains unclear why Golob claimed on Thursday that he was not aware of the findings, even though he received the draft and responded to it.

When asked by journalists whether he had been informed of the findings, Golob said on Thursday that he had not, and his office confirmed the same, concealing the fact that the procedure is in an advanced stage. Since the KPK did not suspend the investigation, it can be concluded that the commission determined that the Prime Minister violated integrity by exerting political pressure on the police.

"When the commission initiates an investigation, it concludes it either by suspending the procedure or issuing a draft. The person in question then provides a statement with their counterarguments and perspective. The commission then examines this, analyzes new evidence, and decides whether to conduct additional hearings," explains Tina Divjak, Deputy President of the KPK.

If Golob's evidence is convincing, the KPK may change its stance and suspend the procedure. Recall, the Slovenian Prime Minister already gave a statement in December last year. If his statements do not change the commission's assessment, a final decision follows.

Before the elections, on April 18, 2022, Golob stated that he would resign if the KPK determined a violation of the integrity law, saying: "Definitely." Now, however, he refuses to answer whether he will actually do so. His lawyer believes that any confirmation of the findings would constitute a violation of the law by the KPK, announcing that he would interpret this as a "deliberate violation."

"The commission acts professionally, in accordance with the Integrity and Prevention of Corruption Act. Lawyers are paid to defend their clients, using all legally permitted means, including complaints and pressure through the media," Divjak responds, emphasizing that independent institutions and courts are there to make professional and impartial decisions.