The currently ruling Social Democrats (SD) as well as the opposition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) and Zares told Tuerk they favoured snap elections.

Indeed, SD deputy group leader Dusan Kumer expressed the hope that there would be no unnecessary delays, as the "highway to elections is wide open".

DeSUS and Zares did indicate they might study a proposal for a PM-designate, but they said they would not nominate their candidate.

Zares is "ready for both possible scenarios, in particular a snap election," party leader Gregor Golobic said after the talks with Tuerk.

DeSUS leader Karl Erjavec meanwhile hinted that Tuerk had no interest in extending the "political agony" and was more inclined to call a snap election.

Franc Znidarsic, representing the group of five unaffiliated MPs, was even more unequivocal: "There is no doubt we will have early elections by the date that has been on the horizon all this time," he said after talks with Tuerk.

One big open question for now seems to be whether Tuerk can dissolve parliament immediately or whether he needs to wait for the expiry of the 30-day period determined in the Constitution.

Opinions differ, but the party heads indicated today this question ought to be resolved by legal experts.

The president will resume consultations in the afternoon, meeting representatives of the coalition Liberal Democrats (LDS) and the opposition People's Party (SLS) and National Party (SNS).

The biggest opposition party, the Democrats (SDS), refused to consult with Tuerk.