Slovenia heading for red-grey alliance

Slovenia’s election winners are enjoying the first taste of success, but this is a country where the elderly enjoy perhaps the most political power in Europe.

Social Democrat Borut Pahor is considering an alliance with a small pensioners’ party to seal his victory. The pensioners were part of the last government; they won seven seats this time and are keen to remain at the top table.

The outgoing Prime Minister Janez Jansa accepted his chances of cobbling together a coalition were doomed, leaving the way clear for Pahor.

The centre-left won 43 out of 90 seats, so still needs support. If the pensioners’ demands prove too much, Pahor could woo the conservative People’s Party with its five seats.

Slovenia boasts the highest economic growth in the euro zone, but also the highest inflation, at six percent. The centre-left campaigned on spending cuts to tackle the rising cost of living, but the “grey” party has already demanded a rise in pensions and better health care.

There have been proposals to privatise state assets: the pensioners want the proceeds to help shore up Slovenia’s shaky benefits system.

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