Jansa Nominates Damijan Reform Minister without Portfolio
PM Janez Jansa nominated economist Joze P. Damijan (38) minister without portfolio in charge of structural reforms, and sent the nomination to parliament for approval on Tuesday.
Damijan, who has led the 200-strong team who have drafted a blueprint for comprehensive reforms, will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of Slovenia's Development Strategy.
Damijan, who has a PhD in economics, was appointed head of the government reform committee by the PM in July. The committee was tasked with preparing a framework of economic and social reforms to increase Slovenia's competitiveness.
The controversial reforms have caused widespread discontent among opposition parties, trade unions, students, pensioners and some economists. The critics mainly lambasted the proposed flat tax, which, they say, would take from the poor to give to the rich.
Damijan was appointed because of his expert knowledge in conducting research projects and his active role in the government reform committee.
He is the author of various articles as well as a member of the editorial board of the IB revija magazine and the Economic and Business Review.
He has also received various prizes, such as the EARIE young economist prize, as well as a KU Leuven Research Fellowship (2004) and European Commission, DG EcFin, Visiting Research Fellowship (2005).
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