The SDS did not want to disclose any names before the 30 April deadline for bids for the presidency.

Janša, who has been at the helm of the party since 1993, has so far led the party to one general election victory and two election victories for the European Parliament. Under his leadership, the SDS was also the most successful party in three local elections. Janša himself led the government twice, in 2004-2008 and in 2012-2013.

Since the party is doing well in opinion polls, enjoying a comfortable lead in most of them, a change in the leadership before the 2018 general election is unlikely.

At the congress, party delegates will also choose the party's executive and supervisory committees and are expected to confirm the Slovenia at Heart programme.

In the draft document, the SDS pinpoints key issues and challenges for Slovenia. According to the party, Slovenia and the EU are faced with huge challenges and uncertain future. Slovenia's situation ahead of this uncertain future is worrying, the SDS says in the document.

The transition from the totalitarian regime to a modern open society has failed in many areas. "Instead of a relaxed and confident society that is proud of itself and open to the world, we have a stuffy bureaucratic atmosphere in which the government and behind-the-scene networks want to control everything."

The document also says that Slovenia is faced "with abuse from state institutions, snatched elections and subsequently amateur government of the state". What is more, the incumbent government is "passive in tackling common problems and lacks a vision in case of further disintegration processes within the EU".

The SDS therefore proposes a set of measures to respond to the European crisis and the uncertain future. According to the party, its plans consider the actual situation at home and in the world.

It thus calls for strengthening national unity and fresh ideas for maintaining European integration as well as finding strategic ways that would secure Slovenia's existence and future even in the event of continued disintegration of the EU.

The family would be the focal point of the society. "The family will become an investment project and not a part of social policies. Only bigger families can keep the Slovenian culture and nation for tomorrow."

The party would thus enable affordable housing loans for young families with the principal going down 20% for every newborn.

The party also took a swing at the amount of funds the government earmarks for migrants and asylum seekers, arguing that the national homogeneity is Slovenia's huge advantage and it benefits it in uncertain times.

To ensure security, which is a fundamental right, the SDS would increase defence spending and the number of soldiers in active duty and reserves.

The party also strives for equal opportunities for all Slovenians, for cutting red tape, for modernising education and getting the healthcare system in order.

"Those who work and manage well will be put to the forefront of the society," the party stressed. Those who create quality new jobs and are innovative will be the heroes. A relaxed Slovenia will not be governed by regulations but by common sense, and healthy competition and responsibility, the SDS promises in its new programme.