Talking to the press as he was presented the military readiness report for last year, Pahor touched on Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek's announcement on Friday that she would seek a vote of confidence in her government.

The president said that Bratušek had the obligation to asses the effectiveness of the government. "It makes no sense to be in a government that does not act. If the prime minister realises that this is not possible....than it is better to hold an early election. But this decision must be made by the PM."

He added however that an early election would mean losing precious time at a point when Slovenia is seeing positive economic trends in a long time.

Pahor however refused to comment on the situation in the government or the coalition, but underlined the importance of showing more political will. Somebody must implement the unpopular measures, he said.