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The entrance of the two new candidates has set the Slovenian election alight. Representatives of Zoran Janković and Gregor Virant joined members of the established political parties at a panel which wrapped up the FDI Summit 2011.
The debate - entitled "How to integrate professional economic principals and practical experience into daily state governance?" - was moderated by the conference's co-organiser Tilen Majnardi. It began with an admission from Andrej Horvat of the ruling Social Democrats that the government may have neglected the competitiveness of the country on account of social stability. This decision, however, was made in good faith that the crisis would not last long, Horvat said.
Former economy minister and Slovenian Democratic Party member Andrej Vizjak was quick to criticise the outgoing government. He argued that it was not enough to want foreign investment - measures must be taken to encourage it, including lowering taxes and cutting red tape.
Tomaž Orešič from the Liberal Democrats shared that view that FDI is something Slovenia needs and now is the time to get serious about. Meanwhile Miran Gajšek - head of Ljubljana's spatial planning and a representative of Zoran Janković's list - sees the first step as being clearly defining priorities. He called for the formation of a clear strategy in public infrastructure development. To illustrate, he mentioned the example of the Habsburg Monarchy's Southern rail work, which has delivered enormous progress to the local area.
Economist Janez Šušteršič, one of the potential candidates on a list being put together by Virant, called for the state to be governed according to the principles of the private sector.
"Slovenia is an interesting partner for the FDI," Šušteršič said. "Entrepreneurs know how to attract investments, all they need the state for is to take care of the investment environment."
The bottom line: Slovenia's politicians need to set aside their differences and all acknowledge the need for change. Only then can the country face its challenges and deal with the obstacles it is facing.