Žmavc, a businessman who has so far been active in local politics, is slated to succeed Tina Komel of Positive Slovenia (PS), who stepped down last week in order to make room for the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) candidate as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle.

The way he is entering government was a source of much debate and criticism. Opposition MPs criticised the "political games" that made him a nominee, but refrained from outright attacks arguing that they do not know the candidate well enough.

Nevertheless, Žmavc brushed it off as a "compromise solution" and said he did not perceive that as a burden on his tenure.

Advocating continuity, Žmavc pledged to continue the work of his predecessors at the Office for Slovenians Abroad. He will prioritise economic cooperation with the diaspora and said he would work closely with the economy and foreign ministries.

The majority of committee members said it was good he came from the corporate sector, but noted that he must not forget his key task remained strengthening the sense of belonging to the motherland among the diaspora and nurturing Slovenian culture.

Žmavc, along with the nominees for health and economy ministers, is slated for confirmation at an extraordinary plenary that is to be held on Thursday.