Delving into history, Janša said Slovenians have proved to be able to achieve equal or better results given a level playing field; "We have ourselves to blame for the missed opportunities."

"Remnants of the past spread, lies and deceit thrived. The majority of erstwhile public goods were co-opted by former, illegitimate managers. When the economic crisis hit, they forced the country into drastic borrowing."

He said this money was then spent on state banks, which channelled it to these managers, creating a banking hole worth billions of euros. "Those who caused it stole our country. And they want to keep on doing it, at all cost."

According to Janša, the "black hole" is comprised of non-performing loans to about 16 conglomerates, of which 15 were "firmly in the hands of the transitional left" and only one was a part of the Church.

The current "counter-government offensive" took on "epic proportions" when last autumn the government proposed the law on the bad bank which included a longer statute of limitations for crimes associated with bad loans, and the law on the Slovenia Sovereign Holding.

These two projects would "cut the financial cords" which channel money from state companies "to the capillaries of the transitional godfathers and uncles", as well as "an end to the transition, a normalization, an end of these behind-the-scenes and manipulation".

Janša accused those leading the left behind the scenes of expecting that his government would tame the crisis without cutting off the channels through which "millions are being syphoned off to maintain the para-state".

"We were supposed to be useful idiots", paying the election price of overcoming the crisis. "They wanted a government with its hands tied, just like Pahor's," he said in reference to the previous government of Borut Pahor.

"The Democrats (SDS) did not take the bait, this is why they are bringing the government down now," he said, urging those who are undermining the government of taking responsibility for their actions.

Janša drew parallels with the Second World War, saying that the Communist Party had issued a decree what everyone who fights the occupying forces outside the Communist-controlled Liberation Front would be punished with death.

"The similarity is not accidental. It is a continuation of the same policy and totalitarian ideology that appears to be passed down through generations in parts of our society."

He said what was being offered by such people was "pure left fascism". "Slovenians will never accept that, we will fight it. We made an important step today."

Touching on the anti-establishment protests, the latest iteration of which is scheduled for later today, Janša said the protesters targeted "the very institutions that by definition provide a check to the aggressive actions of the markets."

These attacks were fomented by "media whose programming has been paid, every minute of it, with crony capital, mostly that which is missing in state banks".

The rally was held under the banner "For Slovenia, For Everyone who Has Gathered Because They Mean Well in Their Hearts" and saw addresses by several prominent former and current right-leaning politicians interspersed with Slovenian folk and patriotic songs.