Slovenia's largest opposition party has announced a vote of no confidence against another minister in the left-liberal government. The conservative SDS is expected to table a motion of no confidence against Digital Transformation Minister Emilija Stojmenova Duh on Thursday, the party said on Wednesday. The reason is the acquisition of computers worth around 6.5 million euros, which has been the target of criticism.
The minister is accused of improper work, lack of transparency and irresponsibility in the purchase of 13,000 laptops, SDS deputy Tomaž Lisec said at a press conference on Wednesday. He said his previous answers to three written parliamentary questions about the deal were unconvincing. Last week, the party also announced a motion of no confidence against Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan.
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The anti-corruption agency is also investigating the case
The minister has been criticized since the fall for purchasing computers that were intended for free rental to socially disadvantaged groups, in accordance with the law promoting digital integration. According to previous media reports, the laptops were outdated and unsuitable for serious work; only 39 computers have been distributed so far. The minister contradicts the allegations about lack of transparency and quality.
The ministry wants to resolve the delay surrounding the distribution scheme, which should have started at the beginning of the year, with a change in the law. The anti-corruption agency is also investigating the case.