Janez Janša has secured parliamentary backing for a fourth, non-consecutive term as prime minister of Slovenia, initiating a political shift marked by policies reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump. His new government plans to reverse the policies of the previous leftist administration led by Robert Golob, focusing on areas such as foreign relations, business regulations, and immigration.
Foreign Policy Realignments
A significant early move by Janša's government is the planned relocation of Slovenia's embassy to Jerusalem, a reversal of the previous administration's stance on Israel. This policy shift also includes freezing Slovenia's recognition of a Palestinian state and rescinding a ban on military trade with Israel. Janša has previously voiced strong support for robust U.S. relations, once describing the United States as a beacon for Slovenian independence.
Domestic Economic and Social Agenda
Domestically, Janša has pledged to reverse what he termed the "inefficiency" of the Golob government, aiming to foster a "country of opportunity, prosperity and justice." His administration intends to roll back anti-business policies, reduce government red tape, and support private education and healthcare. Reforms to the pension system, a decrease in the size of government, and investments in infrastructure, including a potential second reactor at the Krško nuclear power plant, are also on the agenda.
Immigration Stance and EU Cooperation
Echoing Trump-era policies, Janša has been a vocal proponent of stricter immigration controls. He was among 18 EU leaders who signed a letter advocating for fundamental changes in immigration policy, calling for reduced irregular migration, enhanced efforts against human smuggling, increased deportations, and stronger cooperation with third countries. Janša has described these calls as an "end to social tourism, overlooked people smuggling and the importation of voters for the European left."
Political Career and Coalition Building
Janša's return to power follows a complex election outcome in March 2026, where his Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) secured 28 seats, narrowly losing to Golob's Freedom Movement party, which took 29 seats. Despite not winning the popular vote, Janša, a veteran politician who has led the SDS since 1993, successfully built a governing coalition. After a month of negotiations, his coalition garnered 51 votes in the National Assembly, securing the necessary majority with support from his coalition partners, representatives of the Italian and Hungarian minorities, and one opposition member.
Janša has a long history in Slovenian politics, dating back to before the country's independence in 1991. He was involved in the early opposition movements against the Yugoslav government and served as minister of defense during Slovenia's war of independence. He has previously served time in jail on corruption charges, which he maintained were politically motivated, and his conviction was later overturned by the Constitutional Court.
Janša is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in September. It remains unclear if he will hold meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump or First Lady Melania Trump, who is from Slovenia.