The candidate for the post will be nominated by Slovenian president Borut Pahor within the next 30 days. He can choose a candidate among those who submitted an application or nominate a candidate of his choosing.

Before nominating a candidate, Pahor will hold talks with the heads of deputy groups. The candidate will also be invited to speak at a public hearing before the National Assembly. The National Assembly must vote on the candidate no later than 30 days after receiving the president’s nomination.

Radio Slovenia reports that a number of hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, among them economist Igor Masten and former Member of the European Court of Auditors Milan M. Cvikl. According to unofficial sources, Festić herself, Slovenia’s representative at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Mitja Mavko, and former SID management board member Jožef Bradeško are also in the running.

G.C.; translated by D.V.