Slovenia holds presidential election as Pahor eyes second term
- 7 years ago
The people of Slovenia are voting in a presidential election with the incumbent Borut Pahor aiming for a second five-year term.
Opinion polls suggest he will win most votes; the question is whether he can gain the 50 percent required to avoid a second round.
Among several challengers, his most likely rival in a run-off is the centre-left mayor of Kamnik.
The post is largely ceremonial although the president does have some clout, being head of the armed forces and with the power to make key appointments.
The vote is seen as a guide to potential support for parties at a general election due next year.
Slovenia’s economy is currently growing faster than the eurozone average – wages are rising although youth unemployment remains high.
Pahor is running as an independent and says his main task is to bring people together.
He used to lead the centre-left Social Democrats and was prime minister for four years from 2008. After the financial crisis he managed to avoid an international bailout.
A former fashion model, his campaign included 25 days walking hundreds of kilometres around the country.
Opinion polls suggest he will win most votes; the question is whether he can gain the 50 percent required to avoid a second round.
Among several challengers, his most likely rival in a run-off is the centre-left mayor of Kamnik.
The post is largely ceremonial although the president does have some clout, being head of the armed forces and with the power to make key appointments.
The vote is seen as a guide to potential support for parties at a general election due next year.
Slovenia’s economy is currently growing faster than the eurozone average – wages are rising although youth unemployment remains high.
Pahor is running as an independent and says his main task is to bring people together.
He used to lead the centre-left Social Democrats and was prime minister for four years from 2008. After the financial crisis he managed to avoid an international bailout.
A former fashion model, his campaign included 25 days walking hundreds of kilometres around the country.