GZS director general Sonja Šmuc told the STA that given the short term along with Slovenia's EU presidency in 2021, major reforms were not be expected.

However, "the government will still have to seriously take on ongoing issues brought by the cooling global economy, also because of COVID-19, as well deal with systemic affairs that have remained completely unaddressed in Slovenia".

The GZS is thus particularly happy about the announced reduction of administrative burdens as well about the expected tax relief on labour through performance bonuses.

On the other hand, the chamber sees some plans as "potentially very expensive" for business or the state.

Šmuc was critical of the possibility to use three days of sick leave without a visit to the doctor for up to nine days in a year, higher funding for municipalities, and higher social contributions.

The GZS official, who also feels the government should set the foundations for pension and healthcare reform, moreover urged the restoration of social dialogue, which was suspended by employers last September over what Šmuc says was a lack of appreciation for it by the outgoing government.

The coalition agreement signed by the emerging centre-right government was also welcomed on Monday by AmCham Slovenija, which similarly highlighted the reduction of administrative barriers and an upgrade of the tax system, as well as by the Association of Employers.

The ZSSS trade union confederation was more reserved, saying the document did not include plans for reform or mention social dialogue.