Brussels, 28/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - The motion of no confidence passed on Wednesday evening by the Slovenian parliament against the Conservative prime minister, Janez Jansa, who stands accused of corruption, provides “an opportunity to deliver tangible progress for the Slovenian people, particularly on economic reform and an efficient fight against corruption”, according to Hannes Swoboda, leader of the S&D Group at the European Parliament. British Liberal MEP, Sir Graham Watson, commented that “European Liberal Democrats welcome this move and call on all parties participating in this 'coalition of responsibility' to work together at what is a very difficult time for the country”.
It is up to Alenka Bratusek, from the Centre-Left Positive Slovenia party (which was behind the notion of defiance) to form a government by 14 March. If a new government has not been formed by then, an early general election will be held.
After being sworn in, Bratusek highlighted the need to “promote economic development and growth”, while stabilising public finances. To do this, Slovenia will have to cut wages and introduce “a very temporary rise in certain taxes”, to be negotiated with the social partners.
The new government will have to carry out the difficult task of keeping the country's head above water after it has suffered from a failing banking sector. In its winter forecasts, the European Commission expected 2013 to be another year of recession, followed by a slight recovery of 0.7% in 2014. The Slovenian public deficit is also expected to get deeper this year and rise above the 5% GDP threshold.
Bratusek also indicated that the government would ratify Croatia's accession to the European Union planned for 1 July this year. (EL/transl.fl)