Slovenian President Raises Palestinian Flag after Government Removes Banner
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar has raised the Palestinian flag at the Presidential Palace, a day after the country’s new government removed it from a government building following a change in leadership.
Musar said the flag would remain on the palace facade for one week before being moved inside the building. She described the gesture as a symbol of support for human dignity and opposition to violations of international humanitarian law, while reiterating her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The move came shortly after the new right-leaning government of Prime Minister Janez Jansa took office. The administration removed the Palestinian flag from the government headquarters while keeping the Slovenian, Ukrainian and European Union flags in place.
The Palestinian flag was first displayed on the government building in 2024 after Slovenia recognized the State of Palestine under the previous center-left government led by Robert Golob.
The latest dispute highlights growing political divisions in Slovenia over Middle East policy. Jansa’s new government is expected to pursue closer ties with Israel, while Musar has continued to advocate for Palestinian rights and a stronger international response to the war in Gaza.
