New govt won’t be able to afford grace period, PM Golob says

Ljubljana – PM Robert Golob said his ministerial team features experienced politicians and experts as the government must be operational right away. “We don’t want a government of newcomers that would need a 100-day grace period because we know we will not have it,” he said as he presented the 17 nominees to the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Among the veteran politicians he mentioned some with international experiences, such as a former MEP, and with experience in national politics, including former ministers and prime minister, as well as nominees coming from local politics, including mayors. “We are bringing all segments of political life into the government.”

The other half are experts with either academic careers or people with achievements in their fields of expertise and are known by them in the general public.

The government is also gender-balanced, having over 40% women. This is not because it is “in fashion, but because we believe that only through balance can we achieve results”.

Noting that five ministers have a PhD, Golob believes Slovenia is getting a government everyone will soon be very proud of as it will work for the benefit of all citizens.

The prime minister listed advantages of all the nominees, and thanked the MPs for the endorsement of the nominees at committee hearings.

“I’m pleased we have such a good team and I look forward to the weeks, months, years and terms in office ahead, where I know this team will deliver good results.”

Today’s emergency session started with a minute of silence to pay respects to acclaimed writer Boris Pahor, who died on Monday aged 108.

Before the session, SocDem leader Tanja Fajon said the new coalition will have a tough time but since cooperation among all three partners is encouraging, she is hopeful it will last not only four but eight years.

The Left’s leader Luka Mesec meanwhile said that Slovenian citizens can expect from this government to allow them to breathe freely in this country.

“I think you can already feel it in the last few weeks that the mood is more relaxed, that tensions have eased,” he said, adding that it will also be important to take stock of all the damage the previous government had caused to Slovenia.

MPs have over seven hours to debate the new government team, which will be followed by a vote on all 17 nominees. A majority of all present MPs is needed for election.

The new government will be sworn in as soon as it is appointed and is expected to meet for its first session after that.

The post New govt won’t be able to afford grace period, PM Golob says appeared first on Slovenia Times.

Continue reading on: