Slovenia's new right-wing government, led by Janez Janša, takes office

Slovenia's new government, led by right-wing populist Janez Janša, officially assumed its duties on Thursday following parliamentary approval. The coalition unites conservative nationalists, Christian democrats, and liberals, though it will govern as a minority administration.

The government secured 49 votes in favor and 30 against in the parliament. Seven of the 15 ministers in the new cabinet belong to Janša's conservative Democratic Party of Slovenia (SDS). The alliance also includes five ministers from the New Slovenia (NSi) and Focus parties, and three from the Democrats.

Foreign policy priorities will focus on strengthening relations with Israel and the United States, alongside enhancing Slovenia's standing within the European Union and NATO, according to the new Slovenian foreign minister, Tone Kajzer. The ruling parties collectively hold 43 of the 90 seats in parliament, falling short of an absolute majority.

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With taxes record high compared to other European countries and positive growth in the European context, there is a significant deficit in the state coffers.

However, the coalition anticipates passing legislation and budgets with the backing of the small pro-Russian party Resni.ca, which previously supported Janša's nomination as prime minister for the fourth time. Janša has pledged to tackle high taxes, the budget deficit, and corruption, noting Slovenia's significant state treasury deficit despite positive European economic growth. He also vowed to combat perceived systemic corruption.

Janša's SDS party finished second in the March 22 legislative elections, securing one less seat than the liberal Freedom Movement (GS) led by Robert Golob, who was previously in power. Golob's center-left coalition, including the Social Democrats (SD) and Levica (Left), failed to garner enough parliamentary support for a second term. His government recognized Palestine as a state in 2024, a decision that may be reversed by the new administration.

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The strengthening of relations with Israel and the United States, as well as of "Slovenia's role in the European Union and NATO" will be the priorities in foreign policy during the legislature that has just begun.