The heads of the Party of Miro Cerar (SMC), the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) and the Social Democrats (SD) signed Monday a coalition agreement for the incoming centre-left government, ending almost six weeks of negotiations. The new government is expected to be inaugurated on 18 September.
The agreement stipulates that the governing parties will strive to take Slovenia out of the political, social, economic and ethical crisis by securing economic growth, protecting existing jobs and creating new jobs.
It was initially more liberal-minded, but it subsequently took a turn to the left following the decision of the centre-right New Slovenia (NSi) not to join and the rejection of the Alenka Bratušek Alliance (ZaAB).
For example, it determines that privatisation of banks will be cautious to avoid corruption risks and negative social and economic externalities. The same approach will be taken in offloading state-owned companies and key infrastructure will remain state-owned.
The emerging coalition will seek to abolish top up health insurance with a health reform that will seek to bolster the public health system and more clearly delineate private services from public healthcare. The agreement also envisages the preparation of a framework for pension reform.
The new cabinet will have 14 ministries and two ministers without portfolio, three departments more than the outgoing cabinet.
Prime Minister-elect Miro Cerar said that the agreement is a firm commitment of the three parties to cooperate in finding best solutions for Slovenia, including stabilising the political situation and facilitating economic flows.
The SMC, DeSUS and SD will also make effort to stabilise public finances, create a normal social environment and carry out other necessary tasks, according to him.
"The coalition partners are firmly committed to do everything in our power to realise these goals both within the government and the National Assembly," Cerar said, adding that the coalition wishes to cooperate with the opposition and civil society.
DeSUS president Karl Erjavec stressed the importance of political stability, which he believes the new government will bring. According to him, it is of key importance that Slovenia gets a government with full powers as soon as possible.
SD head Dejan Židan added that the Social Democrats have always been an element of stability in past governments and that the emerging government will be no exception. The state cannot afford replacing governments every year, he stressed.
Source: SloveniaTimes
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