The Slovenian Press Agency (STA) said on Friday the government had still not paid it for the performance of public service in 2020 nor began the signing of a new contract for this year.

STA management and journalists said in a press release that payments for the performance of public service were overdue for 43 days now.

They said they were continuing to work despite the suspended financing, but added that the consequences could result in the national press agency suspending its operation.

The press release said that would cause a major disruption in informing the domestic and foreign public about events in Slovenia and the world as well as deal a blow to the image of democratic Slovenia.

Half the agency’s revenue comes from the state budget and the rest from commercial sources.

Journalists’ associations accused the conservative Janez Jansa cabinet of wanting to tighten control of the agency.