Slovenian Government Falls

Slovenia’s government failed to secure a confidence vote in parliament, which could trigger the country’s first early elections since its independence in 1991.

Prime Minister Borut Pahor’s Social Democrats lost in the 90-seat assembly on Sept. 20 with 36 votes for and 51 against.

The government party faced the motion after it lost the majority in parliament earlier this year, while the opposition has accused it of mishandling the economy.

President Danilo Turk has now a week to propose a new candidate for prime minister. If the nominee is not elected in 30 days, this would result in early parliamentary elections, a year ahead of the next general elections.