Slovenian voters have elected the centre-left lawyer Nataša Pirc Musar as the country’s next president. Having garnered 54% of the popular vote, Pirc Musar defeated former Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar, an independent supported by the leading opposition SDS party, in the second round of the country’s presidential elections.

Held on 23 October and 13 November, the presidential elections mark an historic first as Pirc Musar is on course to become the first female president of Slovenia in late December, succeeding Borut Pahor, the country’s outgoing head of state, for a five-year term. Pirc Musar’s electoral victory, although widely expected, is an indirect boost for Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and his centre-left coalition government. Sworn into office five months ago, the Golob Government, which also supported Pirc Musar’s candidacy in the second round, appears politically stable, with the presidential elections likely to have a limited impact on government stability.

Below, we provide further insight into the Slovenian presidential elections and the country’s postelection landscape.