Janez Janša, 67, is the new prime minister of Slovenia. He is a native of Grosuplje, Slovenia, a right-wing populist and a supporter of Israel.
Supporting Israel
Janša’s unwavering support for Israel distinguishes him from his predecessors and aligns him with the international right-wing political camp. During his previous terms as prime minister—and particularly while in opposition to the outgoing administration—he was a vocal critic of the liberal government’s 2024 decision to recognize a Palestinian state, even describing that recognition as support for the terrorist organization Hamas.
Janša’s pro-Israel stance is further evidenced by his support for the establishment of a parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus in Slovenia, which aims to act as a counterweight to the government’s previous foreign policy. Furthermore, he has signaled potential shifts in diplomatic strategy, having previously pledged that he would relocate his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv, Israel to Jerusalem, Israel and consider rescinding the state’s recognition of Palestine.
Succeeding Robert Golob
Robert Golob, 59, is a native of Šempeter pri Gorici, Šempeter-Vrtojba, Slovene Littoral, Slovenia. He assumed office as the prime minister of the country on May 25, 2022.
On May 22, 2026, Slovenia’s political landscape shifted significantly as the country’s parliament voted 51-36 to appoint Janša as the new prime minister. This decision marks a definitive change for the Alpine nation, ending a period of uncertainty and concluding a post-election stalemate that followed the March 22, 2026 parliamentary ballot. While the election had effectively ended in a tie, Golob’s Freedom Movement was ultimately unable to cobble together a sustainable parliamentary majority. The Freedom Movement secured 29 seats compared to the 28 won by Janša’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS).
The confirmation of Janša marks his fourth time holding the office, having previously served as prime minister from 2004–2008, 2012–2013, and 2020–2022. To secure his latest mandate, he signed a coalition agreement with several centre-right factions, including New Slovenia, the Democrats, the Slovenian People’s Party and Focus. Together, this bloc controls 43 seats, with additional support provided by the right-wing Resni.ca party, which will remain outside the formal coalition structure. Janša is now required to return to the 90-member assembly within 15 days to seek confirmation for his proposed Cabinet.
In laying out his vision for the country, Janša emphasized a focus on the economy, the reduction of bureaucracy, decentralization, and the fight against corruption. He has pledged to implement tax cuts for the wealthy and extend support to the private education and healthcare sectors. During his previous tenure, his leadership style drew comparisons to other right-wing populist figures, including his former ally, Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán and United States president Donald Trump. Janša’s past terms were marked by intense polarization, with critics accusing him of challenging press freedoms and democratic institutions—concerns that led to significant public protests and scrutiny from European Union officials.
Golob was sharply critical of the transition, labeling Janša a grave threat to Slovenia’s democracy. The country remains deeply divided between liberal and conservative factions, a tension further underscored by controversies during the recent election regarding allegations of corruption and foreign influence.
CONAN Daily 