"In case you insist on the introduction of the fiscal rule in 2015, you will need to openly explain the consequences of this to the people," Bratušek said in response to a question from Franc Bogovič of the People's Party (SLS), who wished to know if Bratušek's Positive Slovenia (PS) would back the golden rule.

Indicating that the government already had preliminary calculations on the ramifications of constitutionally capping government borrowing, Bratušek said that the cabinet would hold a final meeting on the figures this afternoon.

"If you insist on the fiscal rule in 2015, I hope you will clearly tell the people that you will support cuts to pensions, wages and social rights," Bratušek noted after recent talks among parties, which seemed to be leaning towards delaying the enforcement of the rule for a few years.

The prime minister once again thrashed the budget performance of the previous government, saying that simply continuing its work would lead to a EUR 1.8bn deficit this year.

"In line with the fiscal rule, the deficit for this year would have been capped at EUR 561m. A discrepancy of EUR 1.2bn. We can reduce this amount with a 30% lowering of pensions, or by cutting wages and the size of the public sector by 30%, or by halving all social transfers," Bratušek warned.

She stressed she had not desire to live in a country where only the rich can afford to educate their children, pay for health care, while people living on the edge are left to their own devices.

Bratušek said that a joint decision should be made on the basis of figures about what Slovenia should do. "Nobody is forcing us to do this for 2015."

Simply taking everything from the people will not solve the country, she added, announcing a more gradual approach and dialogue with social partners and within parliament before plans for measures are sent to Brussels.

Meanwhile, asked about when the bad bank would become operational, Bratušek reiteread that the plan was to transfer the first bad claims onto the bank in June.

She also announced the use of other available measures for consolidating the banking system, while expressing regret that the previous government failed to put in place operative measures for the bad bank already at the end of last year.