21/03/2025 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament
Addressing the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament on violence against politicians, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, called for greater attention to the growing wave of hostility targeting elected officials, particularly women. “Verbal violence is not just words—it is an abuse of power, a tool designed to instil fear, create insecurity, and ultimately silence individuals,” she stated.
Drawing on her own experience as the first woman to preside over Slovenia’s National Assembly, Ms Klakočar Zupančič described how “social media erupted—not with discussions about my speech, but with comments dissecting my appearance, my outfit, and, most absurdly, the colour of my shoes.” She underscored that this trend disproportionately affects women on the political left and is often gendered and sexual in nature -“a formidable barrier to women’s participation” that “sends a dangerous message - that this is simply the price women must pay for engaging in public life.”
Calling for urgent action, she stressed the need for stronger legal frameworks and cultural change: “We must make it clear that there is no place for such behaviour in a democratic society.” Urška Klakočar Zupančič concluded with a call to responsibility for all stakeholders—politicians, journalists, platforms, and citizens—to stand united against this form of violence and defend the integrity of democratic life.