Slovenia approves Jansa as PM-designate, paving way for reforms

Slovenia's parliament approved right-leaning leader ​Janez Jansa as prime minister-designate on ​Friday, paving the ‌way for ​a new government that has pledged tax reliefs, pro-business reforms and changes to pension funding. Jansa, seeking ‌a fourth term, secured 51 votes in the 90-seat parliament, ending a political deadlock since a March election produced no outright majority.

A five-party centre-right coalition ‌backing Jansa said its priorities include tax relief for businesses and ‌households, support for startups and fast-growing firms, and the creation of a fund to help finance the pension system. It also pledged to cut red tape, tackle corruption and ⁠shift ​more power to ⁠local governments. "Our goal is Slovenia as a highly developed, competitive, and socially cohesive state based ⁠on knowledge, innovation, fairness, and quality of life," Jansa told lawmakers.

Jansa's Slovenian Democratic ​Party (SDS) came second in the March 22 parliamentary election with 28 ⁠seats, behind the liberal Freedom Movement (GS) of former prime minister Robert Golob with 29. Golob's ⁠party ​went into opposition last month after failing to form a majority coalition. The SDS and four centre-right parties - New Slovenia, Democrats, Slovenian Peoples ⁠Party and Focus - signed a coalition agreement on Thursday.

The five-party bloc controls 43 ⁠seats and ⁠secured additional backing from the right-wing Resnica party, which will not formally join the government. Deputies representing national minorities also ‌supported ‌Jansa's appointment.

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