The nomination of Cerar, whose SMC party won the 13 July general election in a landslide, marks a key step in the formation of a new government.

Pahor said his decision to propose Cerar was based on the election results and the expressions of support from parliamentary parties which are expected to be part of a ruling coalition.

But he added that Cerar also convinced him with his "dedication and a strong focus on the tasks that lie before him". "He will perform this demanding job with due care and he will be successful," the president said.

Cerar pointed out he was aware of the challenges ahead and would do everything in his power to form a highly competent and stable government that will be capable of tackling them.

Its goal will be to "enable a high standard of living and sustainable development" to this and the following generations.

According to Pahor, the main task of the new government will be to set a clear course of change for Slovenia, convince the public of the need for change, and then implement them.

In his opinion, the new government, taking over five years after the start of the crisis, has "real chances of bringing recovery to the society and state" as well as rebuilding the state's reputation inside and out.

Its first priority will be to seek a wide consensus on the need to implement "decisive" and "bold" measures and radical changes to modernise the state.

Having served as prime minister himself in 2008-2012, Pahor said the prime ministerial post was much more demanding than anyone can imagine and wished Cerar a lot of success.

He also expressed hope that the new government will be formed as soon as possible.

Cerar said the current crisis was an "economic, financial, social as well as political crisis", at the core of which lies the loss of values.

The next government's tasks will therefore be not only to pursue financial consolidation, economic development and welfare, but also to "lift the values of everyone".

A parliamentary session to vote on the nominee must be called by the parliamentary speaker within seven days.

Speaker Milan Brglez told the STA that the most likely date of the session was Monday, 25 August.

Once elected, the prime minister-elect must put forward a cabinet within 15 days.

The party of Miro Cerar, who holds a PhD in legal sciences, won the 13 July general election with 34.5%, which brought it 36 seats in the 90-member parliament.

He is likely to forge a coalition with the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), Social Democrats (SD) and possibly the Alliance of Alenka Bratušek (ZaAB).

The early election was called after Bratušek stepped down as prime minister in early May.