"At this moment there isn't enough trust in the possibility of cooperation with this party (t/n: ZaAB). This party caused political instability which has led to an unexpected downfall of the government. The manner in which candidates for the EU commissioner have been proposed is very questionable; this is another element which has led to mistrust. In this case we cannot invite ZaAB into the coalition," stated Miro Cerar after the session of SMC's council.
Regarding the controversial candidacy of Bratušek for the EU commissioner, once elected as PM Cerar intends to contact the cabinet of Jean-Claude Junker, president of the European Commission, inquiring about their opinion on the procedure and the accuracy of information given by Alenka Bratušek and ZaAB, which have claimed Junker's cabinet and Bratušek have been in contact about the candidacy. "Then we'll estimate if this is a disputable matter, and respond accordingly," said Cerar.
Cerar noted that SMC had proposed their own candidate, the current EU commissioner Janez Potočnik, but that the outgoing government refused to take the proposal into account. Potočnik retracted his candidacy, because he was "also deeply disappointed by the government's decision" to send a list of multiple candidates to Brussels. If the new government is given the permission to repeat the procedure, a new start will be needed, but there's a possibility that Potočnik would be proposed again, explained Cerar.
SMC's president emphasized that the council's decision had been unanimous and that the party would not retract it; not even if Social Democrats (SD) decline joining the coalition at Thursday's session of the party's chairmanship. The executive committee of DeSUS, the Pensioners' Party, has already decided to propose the party's council to enter the coalition. If anything unforeseen occurs nonetheless, the party will just have to take the responsibility for the further course of events, stressed Cerar.
15 ministries
Cerar also spoke about the distribution of government departments and explained that the final number is likely to be 15 and not 16, as planned initially. The current ministry of education, science and sport will probably remain undivided. In addition, Cerar confirmed that in this case DeSUS would get four ministries and SD three. The negotiations and coordination between likely coalition partners continue today, the date for initialling the coalition agreement hasn't been set yet.
The mandatary candidate is not disappointed that the new government won't consist of more political parties; this also means the new coalition will probably have 52 members of the parliament. Cerar believes SMC has done all it could to build a solid coalition that will bring political stability to Slovenia.
Bratušek: We'll be constructive opposition
"I regret that Mr. Cerar has made such decision, since we all know and came to the mutual conclusion that the programmes of our parties are the most similar. Content-wise, our party would cooperate with SMC best," said Bratušek in response to SMC's decision for the Odmevi newscast. "Our party has a clear programme and we'll act as constructive opposition in accordance with it. We'll support good decisions and warn against bad ones for the country," added ZaAB's president.
Regarding her candidacy for the EU commissioner, Bratušek emphasized again that she had that she had not taken the decision to run herself.
G. C., L. D., MMC; translated by K. Z.
