Chemistry Faculty Dean Replaces Drnovsek as Head of Movement

Rogaska Slatina, 15 April

Stanislav Pejovnik, the head of the Ljubljana Faculty of Chemistry, has replaced President Janez Drnovsek at the helm of the Movement for Justice and Development, an altruistic forum set up by Drnovsek. Pejovnik was elected at the movement's general assembly in Rogaska Slatina on Sunday.

Drnovsek expressed confidence in Pejovnik, a former member of the opposition Liberal Democrats (LDS). The president believes Pejovnik will make a good leader as he clicks well with the younger generation and seems to be immune to political pressure.
Drnovsek did not want to state clearly whether he intends to run for president at the 2007 presidential vote or not. "I'm not thinking of my candidacy, this is not what I'm here for today," he said.
He also said that the forum, established formally in May last year, has no political goals. No preparations are underway for the movement to become a political party. It is also not meant to benefit its members but rather to help those in need, Drnovsek said.
Pejovnik meanwhile told the press that the movement is not pursuing daily goals but looking for a way to fulfill its objectives. He is convinced it has a good programme and that it carried out its tasks well in the year since it formally began functioning.
"Even though I am withdrawing as the president of the movement I'll continue to be actively involved in it," Drnovsek added at the assembly that also dealt with the meeting's financial report. The movement got EUR 23,910 last year and spend EUR 10,181, while income for this year is planned at EUR 84,338.
Movement member Matjaz Svagan meanwhile said he expected Drnovsek to run at the autumn poll as this is what the majority of Slovenians wished for. "If the movement supported his bid, it would commit a political act. Drnovsek can run without the its support," said the mayor of Zagorje ob Savi and LDS member.
Svagan moreover said that the time has come for urgent action that would result in the LDS and the Zares (For Real) group of unaffiliated deputies joining forces again. Zares was established by a group of six former LDS deputies in early March.
Svagan also believes that the LDS should be headed by somebody who does not hold a senior post in the party at the moment.
Svagan's comments come after LDS leader Jelko Kacin said on Thursday he was stepping down. Kacin will stay at the helm of the party until a congress, to be held before summer, and was labelled by many recent defectors from the LDS as the chief reason for their resignations.

Chemistry Faculty Dean Replaces Drnovsek as Head of Movement

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