The SDS was not bothered by Wednesday's statement from the minister. "Any kind of sell-off of the stake in NLB must contribute to the easing of the credit crunch and kick-staring of the economy," said SDS MP Andrej Šircelj, who is also the chair of the parliamentary Committee on Finance and Monetary Policy.

The DL said that the state's withdrawal from economy was one of key points of their programme. "That is why we think it is right that the minister is warning about the obstacles in achieving this goal and proposes possible solutions," the party wrote in a press release.

Selling the bank is better than having to constantly provide money from the budget to keep the bank afloat, the DL believes.

The coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) believes that before the bank is sold its balance sheets must be cleaned and those responsible for its losses brought to justice.

"We would also like the minister to explain why the 25% state stake in the bank is an obstacle for investors," DeSUS MP Marija Plevčak said.

The party has officially not debated the issue yet and its head Karl Erjavec, who is in France in his capacity as the foreign minister, said he could not comment on the issue.

The coalition People's Party (SLS) said that the state as the owner must withdraw from active management of the banks. Having a controlling stake of 25% plus a share is merely a safety fuse that enables the state to influence mayor strategic decisions in the banking sector.

Having said that, the party sees no reason why strategic investors would be bothered by state ownership, as most major business decisions can be passed with a regular majority.

The SLS also pointed out that under the coalition agreement any kind of changes regarding the ownership of banks need an approval from all coalition parties. No talks have been held on the matter, they added.

The SocDems strongly oppose the sale, arguing that by selling its biggest bank, Slovenia would lose its financial sovereignty and the possibility to finance economic development.

"This is the process of privatisation and sell-off of NLB, which will put foreigners in charge of the fate of NLB's assets," SD deputy group leader Janko Veber said.

He pointed to the bank's stakes in brewery Pivovarna Laško, energy company Petrol, car electronics maker Iskra Avtoelektrika, holding Istrabenz, flag carrier Adria Airways and several other companies which he said "will be hit by the bankruptcy of the church-owned holdings".

A large part of NLB's bad claims are said to be from holdings Zvon Ena and Zvon Dva.

In case NLB becomes subsidiary of a cross-border bank group, the management of NLB's liquidity, risks and assets will be transferred to the parent company from abroad.

The central bank would also lose a part of its supervision over the bank, which could increase the risk of a crisis in the future, Veber said.

The biggest opposition party Positive Slovenia (PS) and coalition New Slovenia (NSi) were not available for comment.