The chairman of spa operator Terme Olimia was confirmed in a 53:14 vote. Počivalšek was sworn in immediately after the vote and will take part in today's government session.

Počivalšek was supported by most parliamentary parties, bar the opposition Democrats (SDS) and United Left (ZL), while the Alliance of Alenka Bratušek (ZaAB) abstained.

The new minister said in his presentation before the relevant parliamentary committee earlier this week that his top priorities will be providing support to export-oriented companies and improving the business environment in Slovenia.

He is moreover against imposing new and raising existing corporate taxes and intends to improve the support system for small businesses. Počivalšek said he would also help boost tourism.

"You can see that he is a man of actions," Franc Jurša, deputy group leader of the junior coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) said in today's debate.

Matej Tonin of the opposition New Slovenia (NSi) agreed that "Počivalšek knows exactly what to do", he doubts however that the new minister has what is takes to get the results.

Marko Ferluga of the ruling Miro Cerar Party (SMC) said Počivalšek was exactly what Slovenia needed in an economy minister.

Moreover, Andreja Katič of the coalition Social Democrats (SD) said Počivalšek seemed very confident, adding that business representatives welcomed his nomination.

The ZL on the other hand expressed fear that the policy of "blocking development on the backs of workers" would continue. ZL MP Franc Trček said that Počivalšek did not provide any substance as regards economic policy.

A similar view was expressed by SDS MP Suzana Lep Šimenko, who said that Počivalšek's answers at the committee hearing were very general and often in discord with the policy of the coalition.

Meanwhile, ZaAB decided to abstain from the vote, although its MP Peter Vilfan labelled the PM's choice as good.