The government is in the midst of talks with private sector unions and has suffered a serious backlash after the threat of protests by major trade unions forced it to retract some of its most controversial proposals.

The privatisation of 15 companies put on a list confirmed by the National Assembly last year continues, but there has been rumbling in the coalition, especially from the ranks of the Social Democrats (SD).

It is unclear what the debate will be about, but the focus will probably be on Telekom Slovenije, which is to be privatised in the first quarter of next year but has been the focus of SD discontent.

The coalition leaders are also expected to touch on the work of the coalition in the aftermath of the staffing fiasco with the economy minister candidate, who had to be withdrawn due to health problems.

The coalition partners expect Prime Minister Miro Cerar to put forward a new candidate in the shortest possible time.