The two will continue managing running affairs for a maximum period of ten days, in which time PM Janez Janša needs to find replacements.

The DL left the coalition last week after Janša ignored the party's ultimatum to resign or seek a confidence vote in parliament following the Corruption Prevention Commission's report that accused him of having violated graft legislation.

Parliament already got acquainted on Monday with the resignation of DL head Gregor Virant as parliamentary speaker.

If Janša decides to continue working with a minority government, he will need to find replacements for Šušteršič and Pličanič, who were two out of 12 ministers.

The PM can propose two new candidates or inform parliament that the vacant posts will temporarily be taken over by some of the other ministers or himself.

Such a temporary solution can last a maximum of three months, during which Janša is likely to see the departure of four more ministers coming from the ranks of the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) and the People's Party (SLS), which have also announced a withdrawal from the coalition.

The legislation on how long a minority government like that could continue working seems to be vague, most legal experts have however indicated that it could finish its term unless challenged by a non-confidence vote.