NEWS

Broad international support for Prime Minister Janez Janša

In the days following his election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša received many congratulations from political leaders and senior representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European People's Party.

   

In his letter, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, stressed that Slovenia and the European Union faced challenging times ahead. He said that he was convinced that Prime Minister Janez Janša would again prove his leadership qualities, just as he did during Slovenia's EU Council Presidency.

  

The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, offered her congratulations, highlighting that Prime Minister Janez Janša was taking office at a time when the European Union was facing economic, financial and political challenges, which could only be met through close coordination and mutual trust. She also said she was pleased that they would continue to strengthen the already excellent relations between Slovenia and Germany.

 

In his letter, the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, stated that, at this time of financial and economic crisis, the European Union would deliver effective solutions only with the cooperation of all its Member States.  He stressed that France would stand by Slovenia in its efforts to further develop their friendly relations, and wished the new Prime Minister every success in his new term of office.

 

(Photo: Bobo)

 

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Donald Tusk, also extended his congratulations to Mr Janša, saying that he was convinced that "our countries' joint efforts within the European Union and within regional initiatives will contribute to the further strengthening of political, economic and social relations between Poland and Slovenia".

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo, archive OPM)

 

The Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Michael Spindelegger, said he was convinced that Slovenia and Austria shared the same values and cooperated in the spirit of good neighbourly relations. He expressed his firm belief that the two countries would continue to actively cooperate with each other.

  

The Prime Minister of Sweden, Fredrik Reinfeldt, congratulated Prime Minister Janez Janša on his election, wishing him every success in addressing the demanding challenges facing the European Union, and expressed his wish for good cooperation in areas of common interest.

  

The Chairman of the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party (SDKÚ-DS) and former Prime Minister of Slovakia, Mikuláš Dzurinda, also offered his congratulations, stating he was convinced that Prime Minister Janez Janša and his team of ministers would lead Slovenia on the path towards development and success. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of the experience Mr Janša gained during his first term of office. Mr Dzuirnda wished Mr Janša wisdom in his decisions and every success in performing his political work and implementing the necessary reforms.

   

In his letter of congratulations, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, wrote that he counted on constructive cooperation between Russia and Slovenia with a view to strengthening their friendly relations and mutual cooperation.

  

The State Governor of Carinthia, Gerhard Dörfler, said that, in these times of crisis, it was important for Slovenia to have a government that has a programme and the capacity to respond to the current challenges.

  

The Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, joined foreign leaders in offering their congratulations, stressing that Slovenia's contribution to the work of the Alliance is important and valuable. He highlighted the progress made in the reform of NATO, expressing his determination to continue to ensure financially sustainable and effective defence.  He also expressed his delight that Slovenia would continue to engage in the activities of the Alliance as planned.

 

(Photo: Bobo, archive OPM)

 

On his election, Prime Minister Janez Janša also received congratulations from Members of the European Parliament. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the Group of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, wrote that "the current centre-right coalition holds strong pro-European views and will make bringing Slovenia out of the crisis – which has significantly deteriorated during the left-wing government's term of office – its top priority".

   

Antonio López-Istúriz MEP, Secretary-General of the European People's Party, also offered his congratulations, stating that he is convinced that the election of Janez Janša as Prime Minister will benefit Slovenia, providing it with a wise leadership with great responsibility, which will work with determination to bring about the political and economic changes necessary in these times of crisis. 

   

The Executive Director and Founder of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, Mark Donfried, extended his congratulations to Mr Janša on behalf of the ICD, a renowned international non-governmental organisation, wishing him every success in his work, which is important and involves great responsibility. He expressed his firm belief that Slovenia had embarked on the path towards prosperity.

   

Prime Minister Janez Janša also received many congratulations from Slovenians abroad. Carinthian Slovenians said they were pleased that, despite the austerity cuts, the important position of Minister for Slovenians Abroad had been preserved. In the opinion of the representatives of Carinthian Slovenians, this gives hope that the government led by Janez Janša will devote specific attention and provide support to Slovenians abroad. Prime Minister Janez Janša has thus been congratulated by the President of the Association of Carinthian Slovenians, Bernard Sadovnik; the Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Carinthian Slovenians, Nanti Olip; the President of the Assembly of National Representatives of the National Council of Carinthian Slovenians, Jože Wakounig; and the leadership of the Unity List (EL) and the Political Administrative Academy (PUAK) respectively. Damijan Terpin, the regional secretary of the Slovenian Community Party (SSK) offered his congratulations on behalf of the SSK and wrote: "Given the situation in which the Republic of Slovenia currently finds itself, in particular as regards its economy, we are well aware how demanding the mission you have been entrusted with is. However, we are convinced that the experience you gained during your first term of office as Prime Minister will help Slovenia to successfully overcome the crisis, restore prosperity and regain respect." He greatly appreciated the fact that the Government's Office for Slovenians Abroad had not been abolished despite cuts in the number of ministries.  "In our view, this is the best guarantee on your part, on the part of your coalition and the future government that the future Slovenian government will pay special attention to our national minority and protect our rights, of which there is, of course, no doubt, considering our experience during your previous government's 2004–2008 term of office."

   

The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Canada, Jože Slobodnik, joined Slovenians abroad in extending his congratulations to Mr Janša on behalf of Canadian Slovenians. He stressed that the work ahead was going to be challenging, but added that Slovenia was in good hands.

   

Senior representatives wish Prime Minister Janez Janša every success in his future work, and take the view that, during the particularly difficult challenges facing the European economy, it is important for Slovenia to have a government with clear programme priorities. Foreign representatives wish the citizens of the Republic of Slovenia plenty of progress under its new leadership and highlight the importance of good cooperation and the strengthening of relations with Slovenia.