Slovenia’s election exposes structural racism: populist rhetoric targets Roma amid systemic exclusion and political polarisation

Roma in Slovenia, like other Roma communities across Europe, possess rich oral traditions and collective knowledge systems that challenge dominant narratives of deficiency. Their historical experiences of forced assimilation under socialism and exclusion post-independence highlight the continuity of structural violence. However, these knowledge systems are rarely integrated into policy, reinforcing a cycle of marginalisation that mirrors colonial patterns of knowledge erasure.

The anti-Roma rhetoric in Slovenia is not an aberration but part of a cyclical pattern dating back to the 19th century, when Roma were criminalised under Habsburg rule and later targeted by Nazi-era policies. Post-WWII socialist Yugoslavia implemented forced assimilation through labour camps and education policies, while post-independence Slovenia dismantled welfare systems, exacerbating poverty. This historical continuity reveals how ethnic scapegoating is weaponised during economic crises to distract from structural failures.

Comparative studies show that Roma exclusion in Slovenia mirrors patterns in other post-socialist states, where neoliberal reforms have dismantled social safety nets and fuelled ethnic polarisation. In Spain, the *gitano* community has achieved partial inclusion through legal recognition and affirmative action, offering a model for Slovenia. Meanwhile, in Romania, Roma activists have successfully lobbied for EU-funded housing programmes, demonstrating the potential of targeted structural interventions.

Research from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) confirms that Roma in Slovenia face disproportionate rates of poverty, unemployment, and segregation in education and housing. Studies also show that anti-Roma rhetoric correlates with economic downturns and political instability, suggesting a deliberate strategy to divert attention from systemic issues. Neuroscientific research on dehumanisation indicates that such rhetoric activates cognitive biases that justify exclusion, reinforcing structural racism.

Roma music, dance, and oral poetry have long served as acts of resistance against assimilation and erasure, preserving cultural identity amid systemic oppression. In Slovenia, Roma artists like the band *Kali Sara* blend traditional *flamenco* with Slovenian folk, creating hybrid forms that challenge dominant narratives. Spiritual practices, such as the veneration of saints like Saint Sarah, offer alternative frameworks for understanding resilience and collective survival.

Scenario modelling suggests that without structural interventions, Slovenia’s Roma population will face worsening poverty and segregation, fueling further political polarisation. Alternative futures could include participatory governance models where Roma communities co-design policies, or a deepening of ethnic divisions leading to violence. The EU’s Roma inclusion strategies, if properly implemented, could serve as a corrective, but current trends indicate a regression toward exclusionary politics.

Roma activists in Slovenia, such as those from the *Društvo Romov Slovenije*, have long demanded structural reforms, including anti-discrimination laws and inclusive education policies. Their voices are systematically excluded from mainstream media, which instead amplifies populist rhetoric. The lack of representation in political parties and policy-making ensures that their solutions—such as community-led housing projects—remain unaddressed.