New tanks for the Slovenian army

The Slovenian defence minister yesterday concluded a deal with the Finnish company Patria for the purchase of 135 tanks for the Slovenian army. Primoz Cirman speculates on how the estimated 280 million euros the tanks will cost could have been better spent. "That amount of money could have financed job schemes for Slovenia's unemployed for around four years, covered the costs of humanitarian organisations for 15 years, or been used to set up free child care facilities or hospitals... The tanks are intended for use in NATO operations abroad. Malicious tongues might now be tempted to remind politicians that before the referendum on NATO membership they promised that membership would not only boost the country's security but also bring financial rewards."

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