Conservative Anze Logar won the first round of Slovenia’s presidential election, setting up a runoff after failing to win a majority in his bid to become the country’s first right-wing head of state.
With Russia’s war in Ukraine roiling Europe’s economy and providing populists an opportunity to steer voters toward euroskeptic positions, Logar — a political ally of nationalist former Prime Minister Janez Jansa — faces an uphill battle in the second round on Nov. 13.
Logar, of the Slovenian Democratic Party, secured about 34% support on Sunday with more than 99% of votes counted. Natasa Pirc Musar, a one-time information watchdog and lawyer, advanced to the two-person runoff with a 27% showing.
A Logar victory could complicate efforts by Prime Minister Robert Golob to dismantle the changes made by Jansa, who swept out the leadership of key institutions and state-run companies before left-wing parties unseated him in April elections.
Golob is trying to shore up support by focusing on energy security for the European Union and NATO member state of 2.1 million. He’s also pushing forward with liberal projects, including adopting a law that made Slovenia the first eastern EU member to legalize both marriage and adoption for same-sex couples.
Slovenia’s presidential runoffs have historically favored left-leaning candidates, including incumbent Borut Pahor, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.
Slovenia’s president is the formal commander-in-chief of the armed forces and proposes constitutional judges and central bank governors. Most policy decisions are made by the prime minister and parliament.
Former parliamentary speaker Milan Brglez, who was backed by the ruling Freedom Movement party, finished third on Sunday with about 15%.
