Minister Bojan Kumer Faces Criminal Complaint Over Referendum Cancellation

Minister Bojan Kumer has responded to a criminal complaint filed against him on the sidelines of a government meeting, stating that the official referendum campaign for the cancellation of the referendum on the new nuclear power plant in Krško, JEK 2, had not yet begun.

The Pirates, who filed the criminal complaint with the Ljubljana District State Prosecutor’s Office, accuse Minister Kumer of abusing his position to revoke the consultative referendum on JEK 2 and neglecting his official duties.

During a press conference, the Pirates claimed that the minister had caused the “key analysis commissioned for the referendum to remain hidden from the public.” This analysis, conducted by Eles director Aleksander Mervar, compared the costs of various electricity supply scenarios.

The Pirates also accuse Kumer of participating in the manipulation of the final version of the analysis. According to Pirate Secretary Jasmin Feratović, there are two versions of the analysis, both dated August 22, 2024. The second version includes a table showing renewable energy sources as a cheaper option than JEK 2, despite the analysis originally not reaching that conclusion.

Mervar responded to allegations in November that the added table had distorted the analysis. He emphasized that the study was not altered but rather supplemented, focusing on the technical aspects of possible energy future scenarios, despite public emphasis on their financial assessments.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Minister Kumer’s involvement in the cancellation of the JEK 2 referendum continues to unfold, with accusations of misconduct and manipulation of crucial analysis. The outcome of the criminal complaint and the broader implications for the energy sector in Slovenia remain uncertain.

### Analysis of Minister Kumer’s Allegations

#### Abuse of Position

– Pirates accuse Minister Kumer of abusing his position to revoke the consultative referendum on JEK 2.
– The minister faces allegations of neglecting his official duties in handling the referendum cancellation.

#### Manipulation of Analysis

– Two versions of the analysis exist, both dated August 22, 2024, with differing conclusions.
– The added table in the second version favors renewable energy sources over JEK 2, raising questions about the analysis’s integrity.

#### Public Response

– Director Mervar defended the analysis, stating it was not altered but supplemented with technical insights.
– The controversy highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

### Expert Insights

According to energy experts, the manipulation of analysis in crucial decision-making processes can undermine public trust and hinder the transition to sustainable energy sources. Minister Kumer’s case underscores the need for rigorous oversight and integrity in energy policy discussions.

### Conclusion

The criminal complaint against Minister Kumer sheds light on the complexities of energy policy decision-making and the challenges of balancing competing interests in the sector. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders in Slovenia’s energy industry await clarity on the implications for future projects and regulatory practices.

### FAQ

#### What is the significance of the JEK 2 referendum cancellation?

The cancellation of the JEK 2 referendum raises concerns about transparency and accountability in energy policy decision-making and the potential impact on Slovenia’s energy sector.

#### How can the manipulation of analysis affect public trust in government decisions?

The manipulation of analysis can erode public trust in government decisions, undermine the credibility of decision-makers, and hinder progress towards sustainable energy solutions.

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