Slovenia’s parliament on May 22 approved right-leaning leader Janez Janša as prime minister-designate, ending a post-election deadlock and paving the way for a new coalition government promising tax cuts and pro-business reforms.

Janša, leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), secured 51 votes in the 90-seat National Assembly, with 36 against, following the March election that failed to produce an outright majority.

The veteran politician, entering a fourth term as prime minister, immediately took the constitutional oath before lawmakers, pledging to respect the constitutional order and act “according to my conscience” in service of Slovenia.

“There will be no concessions,” Janša said after his election, according to broadcaster RTV, calling the vote “an important step towards a more successful and free Slovenia.”

Under parliamentary rules, Janša must submit a list of ministerial candidates within 15 days to complete the formation of the government.

The SDS and four centre-right parties — New Slovenia, Democrats, Slovenian People’s Party and Focus — signed a coalition agreement. Their priorities include tax relief for households and businesses, support for start-ups, pension system reform and measures to cut red tape and decentralise government.

The five-party bloc holds 43 seats, with additional backing from the right-wing Resnica party and support from minority deputies, which helped push Janša over the majority threshold.

Janša, 67, will become Slovenia’s oldest prime minister as he returns to office for a fourth time, having previously led governments including during Slovenia’s EU Council presidencies in 2008 and 2021.

He has dominated Slovenian politics for more than three decades as leader of the SDS, which has at times shifted toward a more populist right-wing platform in line with other European conservative movements.

His appointment follows weeks of political uncertainty after the March vote left no party with a governing majority and forced coalition negotiations among fragmented blocs.

With the mandate secured, attention will now turn to whether Janša can stabilise his governing majority and assemble a cabinet capable of advancing the coalition’s reform agenda.