The Slovenian Minister of Labour, Luka Mesec, has announced a 16% increase in the national minimum wage, which will reach €1,482 gross in 2026.
The net salary will vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the number of dependents and tax allowances, but will amount to approximately €1,000 net for a single person without children.
Socioeconomic context
The new national minimum wage is based on periodic calculations of the minimum cost of living in Slovenia, which has increased by 18% over the past three years, reaching €791.
Since, according to the minimum wage law (Zakon o minimalni plači), the amount must fall between 120% and 140% of the minimum cost of living, the minimum wage has been set at approximately €1,000 net.
As Minister Mesec emphasized, life in Slovenia was becoming increasingly economically unaffordable, placing many households, including those with low-income workers, in a difficult situation.
Criticism and economic debate
The decision to raise the national minimum wage comes after a month of heated debates between corporate leaders and trade unionists.
While trade unions welcomed the figure introduced by the Slovenian government, business representatives described it as harmful to the economy, warning of potential consequences such as job losses, decreased competitiveness, and rising inflation.
Allowances and bonuses
The Slovenian minister also announced an increase in the holiday allowance and the Christmas bonus, both calculated as percentages of the minimum wage: employees will receive a holiday allowance of €1,482 and a Christmas bonus of €741.