President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar is at acceptance of the government advocated constructive and respectful cooperation. She emphasized that the power of politics is not measured by how many opponents you silence, but by how many different people you can listen to and connect. Prime Minister Janez Janša je emphasized that it will be easier to solve challenges with good cooperation.
In her address, Pirc Musar highlighted the importance of respect for the constitution, the legal and social state, solidarity and responsibility towards future generations. “For me, these values are neither left nor right. They are universal, they are the values of a democratic country, they are my anchor, which I will not raise regardless of the direction of the daily political wind,” she said.
She said that she will always warn when she assesses that the constitutional order and its principles, the independence of institutions or human rights and fundamental freedoms are threatened. As she said, “abolishing or integrating independent institutions, limiting civil society, attempts to control individuals, preventing trade union activity, limiting media freedom and possible attempts to turn public radio and television into a state are steps that, in my opinion, do not lead to a better country and a more mature society.”
She also announced that she would warn against attacks on the judiciary and decisions that would undermine public health and public education. She also urged the government to avoid so-called omnibus laws, as experience has shown that these create additional legal dilemmas and challenges in relation to the constitution and applicable legislation.
The President of the Republic particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation with the opposition and a broader agreement on key developmental and systemic issues. “Slovenia needs development momentum, but also more continuity. In key areas, we cannot afford for each government to start over simply because the previous one started something. Revanchism is never a good starting point for anyone,” she said.
Revanchism is never a good starting point for anyone, the president of the country told the government team. PHOTO: Blaž Samec
At the end, she handed over the reports of the President’s forums to the government and emphasized: “Democracy is not a competition in who will be louder. The power of politics is not measured by how many opponents you silence, but by how many different people you can listen to and connect.”
Prime Minister Janša Pirc Musar thanked for the reception. Among other things, he said that with the previous presidents of the country, they always tried to work for the common good. They emphasized the things that connect them, where they are united and stem “from the great political capital that Slovenia produced at the time of independence”. As he said, this government is committed to this starting point.
On the election of the government, the President congratulated Prime Minister Janša and the ministerial team with a note on the social network X. She wrote that she wants constructive cooperation, which must be based on respect for the constitutional order, the rule of law and the unhindered provision of the functioning of independent institutions. According to the president, their joint action must be committed to the protection of human rights for all “and respectful mutual dialogue – even when we differ in our views”. “Only with such an approach can we strengthen people’s trust in the country, its institutions and democracy,” she added.
Prime Minister Janša Pirc Musar thanked for the reception. PHOTO: Blaž Samec
The President of the Republic and the government must act in a coordinated manner, especially in the field of foreign policy, as they represent the country even outside our borders. Already upon her election, she announced that in the field of foreign policy, we cannot afford for the Prime Minister to say one thing and the President of the country another.
The difference in attitude towards some external issues was evident already on the first day of the government, when it removed the Palestinian flag from the front of the government before the founding session, which then fluttered on the facade of the presidential palace.
The fourth government of Janez Janša took office on June 4. There are 15 ministers in it, and the National Assembly approved the ministerial team with 49 votes for and 30 against. It consists of SDS, the Democrats and the trio of NSi, SLS and Fokus, and it was also supported by Resnica and members of the National Communities.
