Modern Centre Party

Janša's coalition comprises his own right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party, SDS, the right-wing New Slovenia, NSi, joined by the once moderate Modern Centre Party, SMC, now renamed Konkretno after its merger with a minor business-oriented Economic Activity Party, GAS.

Vital role of smaller parties in Slovenia

Ljubljana – The Credentials and Privileges Commission proposed that the National Assembly appoint to the programme council and supervisory board of public broadcaster RTV Slovenija five candidates each who had been proposed by the coalition, the Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS) and the opposition National Party (SNS) much to the chagrin of the centre-left opposition.

Rome – The council of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) discussed on Saturday the merger of the Slovenian coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) with the Economically Active Party (GAS) into Concretely. It decided that this effectively ended the membership of the SMC in ALDE, and that the new party could again apply for membership.

Koper – Under the headline Euros and Concrete Incredibility, the newspaper Primorske Novice comments on Concretely, a new party which emerged from a merger of Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek’s coalition SMC and National Council President Alojz Kovšca’s non-parliamentary GAS, saying its main problem is a lack of credibility.

Celje – The coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) and the non-parliamentary Economically Active Party (GAS) merged at a congress on Saturday into a new party called Concretely that will focus on the social and economic development of Slovenia.

Maribor – A small rally was held in Maribor’s central square on Saturday targeting Mayor Saša Aresnovoč. About a hundred people gathered near the Town Hall calling for his resignation. The protesters also burnt a few posters with the mayor’s image.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Education Committee endorsed late on Friday amendments to the organisation and financing of education act, which would change the composition of school and kindergarten councils to increase the influence of the founder, as members of the opposition obstructed.

Ljubljana – The centre-left opposition insisted Marjan Dikaučič was not fit to serve as justice minister as debate on their ouster motion in parliament focussed on legal proceedings running against him. The coalition rallied in his support nonetheless, while the Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS), which will decide the vote, called on him to provide concrete answers.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly will vote on Monday on a motion of no confidence in Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič, tabled by the majority of the opposition parties. The debate is scheduled to last up to 13 hours, and the outcome of the vote is uncertain.

Ljubljana – The opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Social Democrats (SD), Left, Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) and the non-affiliated MPs, argued in the National Assembly on Friday that Education Minister Simona Kustec must go. The coalition stepped up in her defence. The Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS) deputy group is still undecided.