Dialogue and cooperation with all stakeholders, particularly university chancellors, trade unions and representatives of the young is the main goal. "I'm not an obstinate person that would take decisions without a reflection and dialogue," she told the MPs.

Markež wants to improve quality by introducing quality models and innovative approach at all levels of education and improving the cooperation with the economy. The nominee would also change curricula for primary and secondary schools.

Asked whether she was more in favour of public or private education, she described herself as a supporter of quality public education, which needs to be protected, but added she did not oppose private education as long as it met the required standards and is seen as an extension of public education.

As minister, Markež would strive for increasing the efficiency of school management, including by providing life-long learning for headmasters when it comes to management and improved legal and other counselling.

When it comes to legislation, the nominee pointed to the need to amend the organisation and financing of education act, the primary school act and the higher education act.

Markež would also like to implement a comprehensive language policy, with an emphasis of the protection of the Slovenian language, although she is aware that a "certain level of internationalisation is necessary". There is also the need to develop reading and other literacies.

In addition to changing the higher education act, this segment of education also needs to be improved systemically and its autonomy needs to be preserved, according to her.

Also high on the priority list for Markež is research, which "has been pushed aside during the economic crisis". Research should be given a special place in the education system, because "I cannot imagine the country's development without science."

Markež's appointment will be on the agenda of the National Assembly's plenary session which starts on Wednesday.

If appointed by the National Assembly, Markež, an MP for the ruling Modern Centre Party (SMC), will succeed Stanka Setnikar Cankar, who resigned on 6 March after finding herself amidst a fees scandal.

A political novice, the 39-year-old Markež is an economist by profession and holds a master's degree in state and European studies.

Before being elected MP last year, she had since 2004 served as director of the Public University in Ptuj, one of several public educational institutions for adults.