The fourth government of Janez Janša is becoming a reality in Slovenia

Janez Janša was elected Slovenia’s prime minister for a fourth term on May 29, 2026, after winning a secret ballot in the National Assembly with 51 votes to 36. This victory ends a two-month political deadlock following the March elections, where Robert Golob’s centre-left coalition attempts failed. Janša’s SDS party, backed by Christian Democrats (NSi, SLS, Fokus) and former ally Anže Logar’s Democrats, secured additional support from opposition Resnica, led by Zoran Stevanović, who was also elected parliament speaker. Janša vowed to form a government within two weeks, beginning coalition talks on May 25 to distribute ministerial roles. He offered opposition parties a draft partnership agreement, urging cooperation for Slovenia’s future. His election, however, drew criticism from left-wing parties, who accused his coalition of manipulating voters, particularly targeting Logar’s Democrats and Resnica for alleged vote-buying. Janša dismissed such claims as ‘inter-party manoeuvring,’ insisting the support reflected ‘common sense.’ Under revised government rules, Janša now has 15 days to submit a 14-minister cabinet. His return to power marks a reversal from his 2022 electoral defeat, fueled by protests against his COVID-era policies. The polarized political climate and public skepticism may complicate his fourth term, as opposition groups and commentators condemn the coalition’s formation as undemocratic. Janša, who will turn 68 in September, emphasized his party’s experience in coalition governance. He framed his election as a step toward ‘development,’ contrasting it with past opposition attacks. The new government’s stability hinges on whether opposition parties engage in negotiations or continue to reject collaboration. Critics argue the coalition’s formation undermines democratic norms, pointing to Resnica’s abrupt shift from opposition to support. Janša’s allies insist the move reflects pragmatic politics rather than corruption. The outcome will shape Slovenia’s political trajectory amid deep societal divisions.