Archives for November 10th, 2004

Janša Forever: Graffiti on a bridge in Maribor.

The head of the center-right party SDS, Janez Janša, was elected to be Slovenia’s new prime minister yesterday. His accession ends virtually 12 years of center-left rule in this country. He now has 15 days to submit a cabinet to the Slovenian parliament for approval.

Although Janša has his share of enemies, many Slovenes seem to be happy to see a shake-up in government, regardless of their political affiliation. The question is how big the shake-up will be. Janša is expected to basically stay the course when it comes to the economy, although he has promised to reduce the country’s colossal taxes, work on improving the privatization process and reform the labor market.

One very big question, of course, is what to do about… you-know-who. The neighbor. The one that rhymes with "Malaysia." The border issue between the two countries is still a pressing problem, and Janša will be under enormous pressure to solve it to Slovenia’s advantage.

Shortly after the election, I had a chance to talk with Mr. Janša over the phone. I didn’t have much time, but you can read the interview here. There’s also a longer profile of Janša here.

Here’s wishing him and the new government the best of luck in the coming years.