Slovenia Parliament Backs Jansa as PM with 51‑36 Vote

TL;DR: Slovenia’s parliament voted 51‑36 to reinstate Janez Jansa as prime minister, giving his SDS‑led coalition 43 seats in the 90‑seat house. He pledged a “cheaper state but with better quality”.

Slovenia’s lawmakers have turned back to a familiar face after months of deadlock. The vote ended a stalemate that followed an inconclusive election two months ago, when no party could command a majority. Jansa’s return marks the fourth time he has led the country.

The 67‑year‑old politician previously served as prime minister from 2004‑2008, 2012‑2013 and 2020‑2022. His latest term ended after a vote of no confidence triggered by coalition infighting. Since then, Slovenia has been governed by a liberal coalition led by Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement.

The new government brings together the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) with four centre‑right partners: New Slovenia, Democrats, the Slovenian People’s Party and Focus. The right‑wing Resnica party pledged external support but will not join the cabinet. Together they control 43 of the 90 seats.

Jansa secured the premiership with a 51‑36 vote in the parliament. His coalition’s 43‑seat base gives him a working majority, though he will need to rely on occasional backing from Resnica to pass legislation. He said the administration will aim for a “cheaper state but with better quality”.

The programme emphasizes lower taxes for wealthier earners, cuts to bureaucracy, and stronger support for private education and health care. Jansa also highlighted fighting corruption and decentralising power as priorities. He has praised former US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as political allies.

During his earlier terms, Jansa faced EU scrutiny over alleged pressure on democratic institutions and media freedom. His government’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state in 2024, made by the previous liberal administration, remains a point of contention for him and his supporters.

Observers will watch whether the coalition can maintain unity amid policy disagreements and how the EU responds to any shifts in Slovenia’s governance. The next confidence vote on Jansa’s cabinet is due within 15 days, which will test the durability of the new arrangement. Economic indicators and EU reports on rule of law will be key metrics to monitor in the coming months.