The coalition agreement provides a foundation for a faster rate of economic growth and greater prosperity in Slovenia, incoming Prime Minister Janez Jansa told the press after the four parties forming the coalition signed the document on Tuesday.
The agreement was signed by Jansa on behalf of the Slovenian Democrats (SDS), Andrej Bajuk of New Slovenia (NSi), Janez Podobnik of the People's Party (SLS) and Anton Rous of the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS). The parties will control 49 seats in the 90-seat parliament.
Jansa told the press he would "very likely" send the list of his ministerial nominations to parliament as early as today. He expects the nominees to present their programmes to the relevant parliamentary bodies at the beginning of next week, so that parliament can vote on the new government before the weekend.
NSi president Andrej Bajuk said after the signing ceremony that the coalition agreement is a solid foundation for introducing changes that were backed by voters in the 3 October election.
Janez Podobnik stressed the commitment of the SLS to sustainable development. He pointed to the need to create favourable conditions for boosting economic growth, raising the level of education among the Slovenian population and increasing the efficiency of investments in science and technological development.
Anton Rous of the only centre-left party in the coalition, on the other hand, highlighted the commitment laid down in the coalition agreement that pensions would be adjusted to wages. The DeSUS leader also drew attention to a principle entered into the document that states that "the past should not divide".
Jansa said that one of the fundamental commitments of the coalition was to emphasize those things which do not divide Slovenia. "We need unity, particularly after NATO and EU accession, since we are facing new challenges."
Although the coalition agreement was signed today, its content remains confidential. It will be released to public only after the government is appointed.
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