Slovenian Democratic Party leader Janez Janša presented his government program in parliament, focusing on democratization, development, anti corruption efforts and decentralization.
Janez Janša, leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), appeared before Slovenia’s National Assembly on Friday as he seeks a mandate to form his fourth government.
The parliamentary session in Ljubljana comes after SDS reached a coalition agreement with NSi, SLS, Fokus and the Democrats. Janša’s candidacy is also supported by the Resnica party, although it is not expected to join the government. Together, the parties backing him hold 48 seats in Slovenia’s 90-member parliament, with possible additional support from representatives of national minorities.
During his address, Janša outlined the priorities of the proposed government, placing emphasis on what he described as the completion of Slovenia’s democratization process, economic development, the fight against corruption and organized crime, decentralization and reducing bureaucracy. He also announced plans to cooperate with the opposition on constitutional changes and long term development priorities.
Janša used the speech to draw a historical parallel with Slovenia’s first democratically elected government in 1990, led by Lojze Peterle. He said that government had two major goals, independence and democratization. According to Janša, many at the time believed democratization would be the easier task after independence, but history proved otherwise.
“It was easier to gain Slovenia’s independence than to democratize it,” Janša said in parliament, arguing that the country’s transition had remained unfinished.
He said the next government would therefore face a “double task”, completing parts of the democratization process while implementing a development oriented coalition program. Janša said his goal is to shape Slovenia into a country of opportunity, prosperity and justice, where responsible citizens feel safe and accepted.
If elected, Janša would become Slovenia’s prime minister for the fourth time. The vote is being held by secret ballot, but Slovenian media report that no major surprises are expected. If he fails to secure the mandate in this round, parliament could move to a third round of voting, where only a majority of present lawmakers would be required.
