Far-right leader Jansa elected Prime Minister in Slovenia

A session was held in the Slovenian Parliament regarding the submission of the prime ministerial candidacy of far-right leader Janez Jansa, which is considered to potentially lead to significant changes in the country's current foreign policy. In his speech to parliament before the vote, Jansa stated that he wants to make Slovenia a "land of opportunities, prosperity, and justice, where every citizen feels safe and accepted."

Jansa secured a majority in parliament by receiving approval with 51 votes against 36 in the closed-door vote held in the 90-seat assembly.

Political deadlock in Slovenia ends

Thus, the political deadlock that had been ongoing since the Freedom Movement, led by former Prime Minister Robert Golob, which narrowly won the general elections held on March 22, failed to reach a sufficient parliamentary majority, has come to an end with this vote.

Jansa, the leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), who is taking on the prime ministerial role for the fourth time despite narrowly losing the elections in March, received support for his candidacy from SDS deputies as well as New Slovenia - Christian Democrats (N.Si), the Slovenian People's Party (SLS), Fokus, and the Party of Democrats. Representatives of Resnica, who will not be part of the government, also supported the new coalition.

The five-party center-right coalition supporting Jansa announced that its priorities include tax cuts for companies and households, support for startups and fast-growing firms, and the establishment of a fund to contribute to the financing of the pension system. The coalition also promised to reduce bureaucracy, fight corruption, and grant more authority to local governments.

Jansa, who is expected to submit his new cabinet list for parliamentary approval within 15 days, received congratulatory messages from Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar and foreign leaders following the approval of his prime ministerial candidacy.

Congratulations to Jansa from foreign leaders

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen published a congratulatory message on the occasion of Jansa returning to office, writing that she "looks forward to cooperating to address common challenges."

European Union (EU) Council President Antonio Costa wrote, "I congratulate Jansa on his re-election as Prime Minister of Slovenia. I look forward to working with you again at the European Council."

Slovenia's Israel policy expected to change

With Jansa's election as prime minister, the Freedom Movement led by former Prime Minister Robert Golob, which spearheaded Slovenia's recognition of Palestine, has fallen into opposition. Under Golob's leadership, Slovenia had recognized Palestine as a state in 2024, banned arms trade with Israel in 2025, halted imports from Israeli settlements, and was among the countries that boycotted Israel in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

SDS leader Jansa, known for his Islamophobic remarks and who adopts a policy completely opposite to that of former Prime Minister Golob regarding Israel, had previously announced that if he returned to office, he would withdraw Slovenia's decision to recognize Palestine and move Slovenia's embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.