The second opposition-sponsored motion against the same minister this government term alleges Virant "harmed Slovenia" with his proposal for local government reform, signing of damaging agreements with public sector trade unions, and for the law compensating the erased.

Additionally, opposition parties believes Virant should be ousted for having been awarded unusual discounts for flights with flag carrier Adria Airways, in what has been dubbed the "cheap airfare scandal".

Ouster votes are typically an opportunity for the opposition to vent their anger and get some media coverage, but the vote on Virant has been complicated by the government's problems.

A dispute has been brewing in the coalition after the DL rejected a proposal by the Finance Ministry to offset the EUR 180m in tax receipts that the treasury lost with the repealing of the real estate tax act by raising the VAT rate.

The situation is further complicated by infighting in the ruling party, as reports suggest the party's founder, Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Jankovič, is trying to convince loyal MPs to vote against Virant, in what amounts to a show of force against Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek ahead of the party's electoral congress.

At least three PS deputies have already indicated they will vote against Virant, which would still not be enough to oust him, but other PS lawmakers may yet abstain, sparing Virant but still sending a strong message to him and Bratušek.

Virant himself said yesterday it was "unusual that a suspect who is subject to pre-trial police procedures is inciting MPs to bring down the interior minister".

Virant suggested that if the PS abstained, this would send "a very odd message" that he would interpret as a sign of internal problems that the PS needs to resolve.