Slovenia set for coalition talks after tight election

LJUBLJANA, March 23 - Slovenia's political parties looked set for urgent coalition talks on Monday after no clear winner emerged from an election that could sway the Alpine country's domestic and foreign agenda. Read more at straitstimes.com.

LJUBLJANA, March 23 - Slovenia's political parties looked set for urgent coalition talks on Monday after no clear winner emerged from an election that could sway the Alpine country's domestic and foreign agenda.

Prime Minister Robert Golob's liberal Freedom Movement (GS) party was in a near dead heat with the right-leaning Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) led by populist ex-prime minister Janez Jansa with nearly all votes counted from Sunday's poll.

As it stands, neither will secure the 46 seats needed for a majority in the 90‑seat parliament, making smaller parties that cross the 4% threshold potential kingmakers.

Some analysts feared political instability after the close vote. "In the end of the day, we will very likely see a new government that will not be stable," said political analyst Miha Kovac.

In an address early on Monday Golob said his party is ready to start coalition talks to implement the GS election program, which focuses on improvements in public health, education and the economy.

"For all these measures, we need more than just a weak majority," Golob said, adding he would invite "all democratic parties" in parliament for discussions.