Čufer also told the upgraded late night news show Tarča that the government would not change taxes or public sector salaries in 2014.

He said the new real estate tax would not cause Slovenian companies to collapse and stressed that the government had over EUR 3bn on its current account, which should be enough to get the banking sector in order.

Asked about why not take advantage of loans from the European Stability Mechanism, he said: "Why would we let our country be managed by somebody else?".

The minister highlighted two measures aimed at fixing the situation that have been adopted by the government and forwarded to Brussels - the cleansing of bank balance sheets and bills on the systemic deleveraging of companies and subsidies for companies - but admitted that they are falling behind schedule.

Opposition Democrats (SDS) president Janez Janša disagreed with Čufer and said Slovenia had already demonstrated to Europe that it cannot sort out its problems, which is why he believes the arrival of the troika is inevitable. He also questioned whether Slovenia would be able to borrow affordably.

"Whoever thinks than we can get funds for the principal and interest on international markets at low interest rates does not live in this country," he said.

With regards to political squabbles, Janša said an overhaul of the election system was essential. The current system allows several "tiny parties" to enter parliament and then blackmail each coalition. He also reiterated that the process of transition had failed.

Coalition Social Democrats (SD) president Igor Lukšič said political stability was crucial. Governments, of any colour, must be left alone to do their jobs, he said.

Economy Minister Stanko Stepišnik said the situation in Slovenia was improving as borders were opening and more work would be available. President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) Samo Hribar Milič disagreed, saying demand was down, which meant there was less work. He added that the current lifestyle in Slovenia is being kept afloat by borrowing.