Protesters cast ballots at a mock election during the anti-government protest in Ljubljana. The Friday anti-government protests that have been taking place for over a year and a half continued Friday with clear demands for the upcoming elections to end the rule of corruption and capital in the country, as well as provide a healthy future for the environment. (Photo by Luka Dakskobler / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
Anti-government protests continue in Ljubljana, Slovenia – 24 Sept 2021
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — When he visited Ukraine last month with two other European leaders, Prime Minister Janez Jansa of Slovenia hoped to show solidarity with the war-stricken nation and to attract support at home ahead of what is expected to be a close parliamentary election.
The election set for Sunday is taking place amid heightened political divisions in Slovenia. Observers say the vote will determine whether the small Alpine nation of 2 million people slides further into right-wing populism under Jansa or returns to its traditionally moderate balance.
Recent opinion surveys showed Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic Party edging out a victory over a newly formed liberal-green party. However, no single party appears likely to secure enough votes to form a government on its own.
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