STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC PRIOR TO THE SECOND VOTE ON THE PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE

Ljubljana, 21 April 2000


As you know, I have once again consulted political party leaders and other personalities from the public and economic sphere prior to the second vote on the prime ministerial candidate. All of them have responded to my invitation.

The two-day discussion in the National Assembly, which you were able to follow, the outcome of the vote, as well as the consultations I held yesterday and today all deepen my conviction that the balance of political power in the National Assembly following the Slovenian People's Party's announced departure from the Government will not allow for the forming of an effective government. A government, that is, that would have sufficiently solid support for the completion of the demanding tasks awaiting our country.

I am talking about important strategic projects – EU and NATO accession. These projects require high capacity, efficiency and credibility. Both at home and abroad. In order for such a government to be formed and for such a government to be able to function according to these high criteria, political stability is required. I am reiterating this because to my mind it deserves particular attention. In order to achieve this, the new Prime Minister must enjoy the support of a convincing majority. If there is no such support then I believe the decision should be made by you, the citizens, whose will is to be expressed at an election. Thus you would redistribute your confidence to those who are to manage this state on your behalf and to our common benefit in the next term. This is the most reliable path towards a more long-term stability for the country.

Besides all other tasks, deputies should also make a decision concerning the demand of the Constitutional Court. They must decide what electoral system we are to vote by. The people of Slovenia have a right to know this in due time. This is your fundamental political right. There are no convincing reasons for delaying this decision.

Based on the outcome of the first vote, on the parties' insistence on their initial positions, and because the candidates who to my mind could lead the government did not agree to run in the further talks we have held, I have decided not to propose a candidate for Prime Minister in the second round either. I shall continue, though, to seek a majority consensus that would allow our country to step away from this trial it has been put under. After an election, the deputies of a new National Assembly would more easily focus on discussing and adopting long-term decisions which are of importance for the development of Slovenia and for our common welfare. Responsibility for the state requires the Deputies and the Government to responsibly perform their respective tasks until the end of their term. I am convinced that this is also what the voters expect of the Deputies.