Slovenian parliament confirms Golob as new prime minister

Robert Golob, leader of the center-left Freedom Movement (FM), prepares to address the National Assembly of Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 25, 2022. The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday confirmed Robert Golob as the country's new prime minister, in a secret vote with 54 votes against 30. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

LJUBLJANA, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday confirmed Robert Golob as the country's new prime minister, in a secret vote with 54 votes against 30.

Golob, 55, is the leader of the center-left Freedom Movement (FM), which celebrated a landslide victory in the April 24 general election, clinching 41 out of 90 parliamentary seats.

The FM then formed a coalition with the Social Democrats, who hold seven seats, and the Left who hold five.

Golob will take over once parliament confirms his cabinet, which should take place by June 3. The new government will replace the center-right cabinet of the outgoing Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

"We want a society of social justice, solidarity and knowledge," he told parliament before the vote, adding that a fair society is based on an efficient public health system.

He pledged that his government will strengthen the public health system, promote digitalization, and reduce the use of fossil fuels in the country. He also vowed to ease the burden of rising energy and food prices on citizens.

Robert Golob, leader of the center-left Freedom Movement (FM), addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 25, 2022. The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday confirmed Robert Golob as the country's new prime minister, in a secret vote with 54 votes against 30. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

Robert Golob, leader of the center-left Freedom Movement (FM), addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 25, 2022. The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday confirmed Robert Golob as the country's new prime minister, in a secret vote with 54 votes against 30. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

Robert Golob (C), leader of the center-left Freedom Movement (FM), is seen at the National Assembly of Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 25, 2022. The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday confirmed Robert Golob as the country's new prime minister, in a secret vote with 54 votes against 30. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

Robert Golob, leader of the center-left Freedom Movement (FM), addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 25, 2022. The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday confirmed Robert Golob as the country's new prime minister, in a secret vote with 54 votes against 30. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)