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.

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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