Janez Janša has become Slovenia’s prime minister for the fourth time after securing parliamentary backing to form a new government, following weeks of coalition negotiations. The veteran conservative leader returns to office at a time of growing political fragmentation and rising support for national conservative and sovereigntist parties across Europe.
Janša and his Slovenian Democratic Party campaigned heavily on migration, energy security, and opposition to what they described as excessive European Union bureaucracy. He promised a focus on development, security, and completing what he called a ‘half-finished’ transition to democracy.
Robert Golob’s liberal Freedom Movement won the elections in March, gaining one more seat than Jansa’s SDS, but failed to put together a majority to form a government, opening the way for the veteran right-winger to return.
The 66-year-old politician remains one of the most controversial figures in Slovenian politics, admired by supporters for his tough stance on border security and criticism of Brussels, while opponents accuse him of undermining media freedom and democratic institutions during previous terms in office. Janša has also maintained close political ties with Hungary’s then-prime minister Viktor Orbán in recent years.
Janša’s return is likely to strengthen conservative and nationalist forces pushing for stricter migration policies inside the EU, which also faces mounting tensions over enlargement and economic competitiveness. Analysts say Janša’s comeback could further complicate efforts to maintain unity on issues ranging from Ukraine policy to rule-of-law disputes within the bloc.
