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Erjavec argued for the STA that the government is facing a turbulent period, highlighting negotiations with public sector trade unions and the tackling of banking sector issues.

Commenting on Monday's withdrawal of the candidacy of Gojko Koprivec for economy minister, he said he expects PM Cerar to put forward a new candidate.

If it emerges that he really has problems finding one, nothing would be wrong with a joint effort in the coalition to find the best solution, Erjavec added.

The SocDems were critical on Monday of the developments around Koprivec as well as of the resignation of Andrej Oček as director of the Slovenian intelligence agency SOVA after less than a month in the job.

SD deputy group head Matjaž Han, who also spoke up against the liquidation of the Trbovlje power plant, said that the government "would be better off parting ways" if it fails to get down to work.

He agreed today that his statements were of little help to the coalition, but still argued that sometimes putting your foot down is necessary.

"It is obvious that things are not in order. I think people can see that some things are not working," Han said, while agreeing that the situation must calm down