Ljubljana - Matej Tonin, the head of New Slovenia (NSi) and the only candidate for the job at the election congress that started on Saturday, said in his address to the event that he would continue to look for cooperation possibilities. He also said that "any coalition bow can snap if pulled too tight". He also advised the opposition to cooperate.

Addressing over 380 delegated taking part in the online event, Tonin said that attempts by the Coalition of Constitutional Arch (KUL) to bring down the government "were not cool at all" while the country faces one of the greatest challenges since gaining independence.

He underlined that the party was focusing on effective fight against the epidemic. "I'm asking the opposition to help and not to undermine our work."

In relation to Prime Minister Janez Janša he said that he has been a politician for a long time and must know "that every coalition bow can snap if pulled too tight". It would be great shame if the government coalition broke in a crisis because of an unfortunate tweet or letter, he said.

It is essential to work together now and allow the healthcare system to overcome the epidemic, he said, adding that the crisis will have additionally prolonged waiting times for healthcare services. "Slovenia accessible healthcare."

Tonin, who is serving as defence minister, also touched on security saying any kind of extremism must be fought, and expressed satisfaction with the parliament's decision to back a EUR 780-million investment package for the military.

He also praised the other two NSi's ministers in the government, Janez Cigler Kralj who is in charge of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities and Jernej Vrtovec, the minister of infrastructure.

Tonin said that Cigler Kralj coordinated about a half of the anti-corona measures, managing to protect about 300,000 jobs, while Vrtovec managed to get adopted the highest investment plan in Slovenia's history.

Both Vrtovec and Cigler Kralj also addressed the congress. The party's deputy group head Jožef Horvat and MEP Ljudmila Noval also addressed the delegates.

While Novak advocated the respect for coronavirus restrictions, Horvat expressed the need to improve the level of political culture in the National Assembly. He said NSi MPs are a good example in this respect, adding however, that the path ahead will not be easy and will require a lot of patience and tolerance.

Just over 78% of all delegated have tuned in for the congress. They were addressed by European People Party (EPP) head Donald Tusk and EPP MEPs leader Manfred Weber.

The congress was suspended today until Thursday afternoon, when election results will be declared. Delegates have until Monday to send in their ballots by mail.