Prelesnik was nominated to succeed Nataša Pirc Musar by President Borut Pahor, and Nataša Kovač from Pahor's office argued today that professional criteria had been the first and basic criteria used by the president in his decision.

Jani Möderndorfer of the Alenka Bratušek Alliance (ZaAB) spoke of unjustified attacks against Prelesnik over her performance as secretary general of the National Assembly since 2008, arguing it was impossible to have a secretary general that would be to the liking of all deputy groups.

While Prelesnik mostly also had supporters among the other centre-left parties, the opposition Democrats (SDS), New Slovenia (NSi) and People's Party (SLS) obstructed the vote after Jože Tanko of the SDS for instance claimed the candidate was being "rewarded for her efforts against the SDS".

The opposition questioned Prelesnik's references, pointing out that even the outgoing Pirc Musar was not sure about her abilities.

After a walk-out by the opposition, the needed quorum of at least half of the 90 MPs and a simple majority for Prelesnik were only secured in the fourth attempt.

Prelesnik will take over from Pirc Musar, who is completing her second term, on 17 July and will not be available for comments before that.

Prelesnik, born in December 1968, graduated from the Ljubljana Faculty of Law in 1992 and passed the bar exam three years later. She ran her own law firm between 1997 and 2002, after which she worked for the ex-Ministry of Information Society.

She was appointed the secretary general of the National Assembly in November 2008.

Pahor's office said they were happy about the appointment, while regretting there had been opposition to the president's nominee.

However, the office does understand that there is an election campaign underway and believes the proposal would have been treated differently in other circumstances.

The outgoing commissioner Pirc Musar meanwhile wished Prelesnik the best of luck in overcoming political pressure. She told the STA she is handing over to her successor an office that is in "top shape".