Slovenia’s legislative body confirmed Janez Jansa as the country’s prime minister-designate on Friday, breaking a political stalemate that has persisted since March elections failed to produce a clear majority winner.
The right-leaning politician, who is pursuing his fourth term in office, obtained 51 votes from the 90-member parliament on May 22, clearing the path for establishing a new administration committed to business-friendly policies and tax reductions.
The coalition supporting Jansa consists of five center-right political parties that have outlined key objectives including financial relief for companies and families, assistance for emerging businesses and rapidly expanding enterprises, plus establishing a special fund to support the nation’s retirement system. The alliance has also promised to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, address government corruption, and transfer greater authority to municipal governments.
“Our goal is Slovenia as a highly developed, competitive, and socially cohesive state based on knowledge, innovation, fairness, and quality of life,” Jansa told lawmakers.
During the March 22 parliamentary contest, Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) finished in second place with 28 seats, trailing the liberal Freedom Movement (GS) led by former prime minister Robert Golob, which captured 29 seats. Golob’s political organization moved into opposition status last month following unsuccessful attempts to build a governing majority.
On Thursday, the SDS joined with four other center-right organizations – New Slovenia, Democrats, Slovenian Peoples Party and Focus – to finalize their governing partnership agreement.
This five-party alliance holds 43 parliamentary seats and gained extra support from the right-wing Resnica party, though that group will remain outside the formal government structure. Representatives of national minority groups also endorsed Jansa’s selection as prime minister-designate.
