Slovenian Parliament Elects New Government Led by Janša

Slovenian lawmakers have elected Janez Janša as the nation's new prime minister, marking his fourth term leading the country. The 16th government of Slovenia was formed by a coalition of center-right parties, including the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), New Slovenia, the Slovenian People's Party, and the party Focus. The coalition secured 49 votes in parliament, with additional support from the Resnica Movement and representatives of the Italian and Hungarian national minorities.

Janša, the leader of the SDS, highlighted the experienced cadre within his new government. He expressed a hope for a "systematic and boring" mandate, urging those who shape public opinion to avoid unnecessary political disputes that could distract from crucial issues. "We are aware that for some, as we have seen in previous terms, the slide into totalitarianism begins when they can no longer live entirely at someone else's expense," Janša stated, alluding to the left-liberal Freedom Movement.

The new government comprises ministers from various parties. The SDS will hold seven ministerial positions, including the interior, foreign affairs, education, environment, culture, finance, and affairs for Slovenians abroad. The Democrats secured three ministerial posts, covering economy, health, and justice. New Slovenia and Focus will fill the remaining five portfolios, including infrastructure, agriculture, defense, demographic and family affairs, and local self-government.

Janša, born in 1958, previously served as prime minister from 2004 to 2008, and again from 2012 to 2013 and 2020 to 2022. His SDS party won 28 seats in the recent elections, one less than the Freedom Movement, which led the previous government. The coalition of New Slovenia, SLS, and Focus secured nine seats, the Democrats six, and the Resnica Movement five.