Slovenia approves Jansa as PM-designate, paving way for reforms

LJUBLJANA, May 22 (Reuters) - Slovenia’s parliament approved right-leaning leader Janez Jansa as prime minister-designate on Friday, paving the way ​for a new government that has pledged tax ‌reliefs, pro-business reforms and changes to pension funding.

Jansa, seeking a fourth term, secured 51 votes in the 90-seat parliament, ending a ​political deadlock since a March election produced no outright ​majority.

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A five-party centre-right coalition backing Jansa said its ⁠priorities include tax relief for businesses and households, ​support for startups and fast-growing firms, and the creation of ​a fund to help finance the pension system. It also pledged to cut red tape, tackle corruption and shift more power ​to local governments.

"Our goal is Slovenia as a highly ​developed, competitive, and socially cohesive state based on knowledge, innovation, fairness, ‌and ⁠quality of life," Jansa told lawmakers.

Jansa's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) came second in the March 22 parliamentary election with 28 seats, behind the liberal Freedom Movement (GS) of former ​prime minister Robert ​Golob with ⁠29. Golob's party went into opposition last month after failing to form a majority coalition.

The ​SDS and four centre-right parties - New Slovenia, ​Democrats, ⁠Slovenian Peoples Party and Focus - signed a coalition agreement on Thursday.

The five-party bloc controls 43 seats and secured additional ⁠backing ​from the right-wing Resnica party, which ​will not formally join the government. Deputies representing national minorities also ​supported Jansa's appointment.

Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic, Editing by William Maclean

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