Bratušek is planning to resign after being beaten by Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković in the leadership tussle for the ruling Positive Slovenia (PS) on 25 April.

The three coalition partners have made it clear that the government coalition no longer exists, although there have been no resignations from the government to date.

While resigning from PS on Tuesday, Bratušek said she was not yet tendering in her resignation as PM in order to coordinate a date of early elections with the coalition partners.

Early elections could still be held before parliament goes to summer recess, but not before early July, when many people are already on holiday.

But to allow for this, parties would have to commit not to propose any candidates for prime minister-designate in parliament.

Media have meanwhile speculated that a mid-September vote was more likely. In such a scenario, Bratušek would not resign immediately to ensure that the government continues to have full powers to take care of urgent business.

Bratušek has maintained that she is ready for elections as soon as possible, adding that she wants to hear the views of the coalition partners on the matter.