Janez Janša Returns as Slovenia’s Prime Minister

Slovenian parliament voted 51‑36 on May 22, 2026 to appoint 67‑year‑old right‑wing populist Janez Janša as prime minister, ending a post‑election stalemate after the March 22 ballot left the Freedom Movement with 29 seats and Janša’s Slovenian Democratic Party with 28.

Janša signed a coalition agreement with centre‑right parties New Slovenia, the Democrats, the Slovenian People’s Party and Focus, giving the bloc 43 seats in the 90‑member assembly and securing additional support from the right‑wing Resnica party. He must return to parliament within 15 days for a cabinet confirmation vote.

In his inaugural speech Janša pledged tax cuts for the wealthy, support for private education and healthcare, a reduction of bureaucracy, decentralisation and a fight against corruption. He reaffirmed his strong support for Israel, previously criticising the former government’s recognition of a Palestinian state and advocating for moving Slovenia’s embassy to Jerusalem. Critics warn that his previous terms saw attacks on press freedom and democratic institutions, drawing scrutiny from the European Union.