Responding to the announcement of the new government led by PM Janez Janaša, whose 2004-2008 cabinet had introduced the subsidy, the association however also urged a careful analysis of the proposal to prevent punishing municipalities with additional expenditure a second time.

SOS general secretary Jasmina Vidmar wrote that the association had been against the scheme, as it had been introduced without a serious study, causing spatial and other problems that are still troubling some municipalities.

The association is even proposing additional saving measures, which would also address other subsidies for kindergarten children as well as bring longer hours for kindergarten teachers.

The government presented the measure last Friday as part an austerity package worth EUR 1.8bn over two years. Savings from this move alone are estimated at EUR 26.8m over two years.