Slovenia's Governing Liberals Narrowly Defeat Right-Wing Challenge; Coalition Talks Begin

Slovenia's ruling Freedom Movement led by PM Robert Golob secured 28.6% of the vote, narrowly ahead of the opposition SDS at 28.2%, in a tightly contested parliamentary election. The FM is projected to win 29 of 90 seats, with coalition partners the Social Democrats and the Left expected to win a combined 11 seats — leaving the ruling bloc short of a majority. Three smaller parties will enter parliament and could be kingmakers. Golob acknowledged coalition talks would be 'tough.' The election was reportedly influenced by alleged Israeli firm interference, per Times of Israel, though the pro-Israel candidate lost.