Janša Nears Fourth Term as Slovenia’s Coalition Government Gains Majority
Slovenian Political Developments and Coalition Formation
BELGRADE, May 19 - Deputies from Slovenia's right-leaning Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) on Tuesday submitted their leader Janez Janša's candidacy for prime minister after he managed to secure a potential ruling coalition.
Background: Political Deadlock and Election Results
The move could end a political deadlock in place since a tight election in March in which no party won an outright majority. If successful, Jansa, who is among the longest serving politicians in Slovenia, will begin his fourth term as prime minister.
Coalition Partners and Parliamentary Support
• SDS has agreed a coalition government with four centre-right parties - New Slovenia, Democrats, Slovenian Peoples Party (NSi), and Focus
• Right-wing Resnica party said it will support the government without taking any posts in it
• SDS coalition will secure 50 seats in the 90-seat parliament
Upcoming Vote and Statements from Parliament
• Vote on new government will take place on Friday, said parliament Speaker, Zoran Stevanovic
• "I expect that, given the signatures given, the next prime minister will be accepted," he told reporters
Coalition Policy Agreements
• On Monday STA news agency reported that the coalition partners agreed on tax relief for businesses and to fight corruption
Election Outcome and Party Positions
• Jansa's party came second in a tied parliamentary election race in March, securing 28 seats in the parliament, compared to 29 liberal Freedom Movement (GS) of the outgoing prime minister, Robert Golob, who failed to secure a majority
(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Edward McAllister and Louise Heavens)
