On June 27, Slovenia's parliament voted to appoint Janez Jansa, 67, as prime minister with 51 votes in favor and 36 against, according to the legislature's announcement. This is Jansa's fourth stint in the role, following terms in 2004-2008, 2012-2013, and 2020-2022.
The decision came after two months of political deadlock following the March 22 election, in which outgoing Prime Minister Robert Golob's Freedom Movement won 29 seats, just two more than Jansa's Slovenian Democratic Party. Despite a narrow majority, Golob's party failed to form a parliamentary coalition.
Under a coalition agreement signed on June 26, the Slovenian Democratic Party and four other center-right parties — New Slovenia, Democrats, Slovenian People's Party, and Focus — will hold 43 seats in the 90-member parliament. Additionally, the right-wing Resnica party has pledged external support.
Speaking in parliament, Jansa outlined his new government's priorities: economic development, anti-corruption efforts, reducing red tape, and decentralization. He also pledged to cut taxes for the wealthy, support private education and private healthcare, and pursue what he called a "cheaper but better state."
Jansa is known as an admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump and was a close ally of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was ousted in last month's election. He supports Israel and has criticized the Golob government's 2024 policy of recognizing the State of Palestine.
During his previous term, Jansa faced accusations of cracking down on democratic institutions and press freedom, sparking protests and EU scrutiny. He must return to parliament within 15 days for a vote to confirm his official cabinet.
