LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Slovenia’s president on Tuesday set a parliamentary election in the European Union country for March 22.
“I want the election to be conducted fairly, and I will pay attention to disinformation and manipulation, including from abroad,” President Natasa Pirc Musar said.
The vote for the 90-member assembly is seen as a test for the liberal government that is facing a challenge from populist right-wing parties.
The Alpine country of 2 million people split from the communist-run former Yugoslavia in 1991, and joined NATO and the EU in 2004.
Prime Minister Robert Golob’s coalition government , after defeating his populist predecessor Janez Jansa, who was seen as pushing the traditionally moderate nation to the right.
Under Golob, Slovenia recognized a while the opposition accused him of slowing down the economy.
By law, Parliament must convene within 20 days of the election. Musar then has another 30 days to appoint a prime minister-designate backed by a majority of lawmakers.
She called on Tuesday for “respectful, responsible and tolerant communication during the election campaign.”
In a recent blow to the government, Slovenians in November in a referendum that would have allowed terminally ill patients to end their lives.
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