But Lukšič acknowledged that early elections were in the hands of Prime Minister Janez Janša and the ruling majority in parliament, suggesting that this will not happen very soon.

"Janša will not step down easily," Lukšič said, noting that the start of the purification process hinged on Janša and Zoran Janković stepping down.

Indeed, he said that the accession treaty with Croatia needed to be ratified, the labour reform adopted and referendum rules changed "under the current government".

The meeting featured the SD presidency, MPs and local leaders. Lukšič said it was held not because the party thinks Slovenia is in a particularly problematic position but because it is getting ready for a congress in July.