Slovenia Vote Too Close To Call As Orbán Ally Janša Challenges Liberal Government

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LJUBLJANA/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Slovenia, the birthplace of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, held a closely contested parliamentary election Sunday, with populist opposition leader Janez Janša — an ally of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán — running neck-and-neck with the ruling liberal party.

With about 99 percent of votes counted, Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement secured roughly 28.5 percent, just ahead of Janša’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) at about 28.1 percent, according to official data.

The razor-thin margin leaves Slovenia heading toward complex coalition negotiations, with smaller parties likely to play a decisive role in forming the next government.

Janša, a three-time prime minister, has positioned himself as part of a broader conservative bloc in Europe aligned with Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico.

He has also expressed admiration for U.S. President Donald J. Trump and has promoted policies emphasizing national sovereignty, stricter migration controls, and reduced funding for non-governmental organizations and media.

ORBÁN ALLY SEEKS RETURN TO POWER

Analysts say a Janša-led government could shift Slovenia closer to the political direction seen in Hungary, potentially complicating European Union unity on key issues.

Golob declared confidence in forming a new government despite the tight result.

“We will do everything we can to ensure a better future,” he told supporters, while acknowledging that “tough negotiations lie ahead.”

Under Golob, Slovenia has pursued a pro-European, liberal agenda, including social reforms and alignment with mainstream EU policies.

Neither major party appears close to securing the 46 seats needed for a majority in Slovenia’s 90-member parliament.

COALITION TALKS LIKELY TO BE PROLONGED

Preliminary results suggest Golob’s bloc could command around 40 seats, while Janša’s camp may reach about 43, leaving smaller parties as kingmakers.

Political analysts warn that forming a stable coalition could take weeks or even months.

The election was also overshadowed by allegations of foreign interference.

Critics have accused Janša of contacts with Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube, which was reportedly involved in producing videos targeting the government.

Slovenian authorities said operatives linked to the firm visited Ljubljana several times during the campaign.

FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS SHAKE CAMPAIGN

Janša acknowledged contacts but denied wrongdoing, while Golob called for an investigation by the European Union into the allegations.

The vote was widely seen as a test for the strength of illiberal and nationalist parties in Central and Eastern Europe ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary election on April 12.

Observers say a strong showing by Janša could embolden Orbán and like-minded leaders seeking to expand their influence within the European Union.

Slovenia, a nation of about 2 million people and a member of both NATO and the European Union since 2004, has long alternated between liberal and conservative governments.

With the race too close to call, the country now faces a period of political uncertainty that could shape its domestic policies and international alignment for years to come.

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