Slovenia’s parliament approved the nomination of Primoz Dolenc as the new governor of the Bank of Slovenia on February 3, bringing to an end a year-long dispute over the leadership of the central bank.

Dolenc, who has served as deputy governor since January 8, 2025, was elected with 55 votes in favor, five against, and two invalid ballots out of 62 cast.

The ruling coalition parties had announced their support for his appointment, and 46 votes were needed for confirmation, RTV SLO reported.

President Natasa Pirc Musar nominated Dolenc on January 7, as part of a broader package of key institutional appointments ahead of the March 22 general elections, which also included proposals for the human rights ombudsman and three judges of the Constitutional Court.

The central bank had been without a permanent governor since January 8, 2025, when Bostjan Vasle’s six-year term ended.

Following Vasle’s departure, Dolenc served as interim head, while the Bank of Slovenia warned that the absence of a confirmed governor could weaken the country’s participation in monetary policy decisions.

The leadership gap was exacerbated by a failed parliamentary vote on November 22, 2024, when Musar’s first nominee, former prime minister Anton Rop, did not secure sufficient support. 

Dolenc’s appointment restores full leadership at the Bank of Slovenia just weeks before the parliamentary elections, ensuring continuity in monetary policy and central bank operations.