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Slovenia's president faces ex-comedian in election runoff
Early results, Pahor ahead
12 November, 20:10
(ANSA-AP) - BLED, Slovenia - Cast ballots closed at 7p.m. in
Slovenia in a presidential runoff, with President Borut Pahor's
bid for re-election facing a tough challenge from an ex-comedian
who currently serves as the mayor of a northern town. Pahor
would be ahead after a little number of scrutinised ballots.
Pahor, a veteran politician known as the "King of Instagram" for his frequent use of social media, led by a large margin after the first round of voting on Oct. 22. But his runoff opponent, Marjan Sarec, the mayor of Kamnik, has since narrowed the gap. Election authorities said turnout was at 30 percent by mid-afternoon, which is low for Slovenia and expected to benefit Sarec, while also suggesting a lack of public interest in the race between two centrists.
Slovenia's presidency carries no executive powers, but the office-holder proposes a prime minister and his or her opinion on important issues holds weight. Pahor and Sarec have clashed on issues such as the privatization of Slovenia's biggest bank and the composition of the country's anti-corruption body.
Slovenia, a country of 2 million people in Central Europe, is known for its Alpine mountains and lakes and its love of nature.
It is the birthplace of U.S. first lady Melania Trump. Key topics facing Slovenia include the economy, a border dispute with Croatia and the future of the European Union, which Slovenia joined in 2004. After voting Sunday, Pahor complained that he has been falsely viewed as a populist - which he says he is not - while Sarec was trying to assume the role of a "statesman." Pahor suggested that the "change of roles" cost him public support. Sarec, for his part, expressed confidence that he could win. "I wouldn't have run for the position if I hadn't thought I could be elected," he said. Pahor, a former model like the U.S. first lady, has held a number of public posts and was Slovenia's prime minister before he was first elected president in 2012. He has sought to portray himself as a uniter of all Slovenians. Critics say, however, the 54-year-old simply avoids taking stands on important issues. Sarec, in contrast, is a relative newcomer who has won support from many Slovenians fed up with established politicians. The 39-year-old was a well-known satirical comedian before entering politics in 2010 to run for mayor. Sarec won and gave up acting so he could commit to the job. He is currently serving his second term. ____ Ali Zerdin contributed from Ljubljana, Slovenia. JOVANA GEC/
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Pahor, a veteran politician known as the "King of Instagram" for his frequent use of social media, led by a large margin after the first round of voting on Oct. 22. But his runoff opponent, Marjan Sarec, the mayor of Kamnik, has since narrowed the gap. Election authorities said turnout was at 30 percent by mid-afternoon, which is low for Slovenia and expected to benefit Sarec, while also suggesting a lack of public interest in the race between two centrists.
Slovenia's presidency carries no executive powers, but the office-holder proposes a prime minister and his or her opinion on important issues holds weight. Pahor and Sarec have clashed on issues such as the privatization of Slovenia's biggest bank and the composition of the country's anti-corruption body.
Slovenia, a country of 2 million people in Central Europe, is known for its Alpine mountains and lakes and its love of nature.
It is the birthplace of U.S. first lady Melania Trump. Key topics facing Slovenia include the economy, a border dispute with Croatia and the future of the European Union, which Slovenia joined in 2004. After voting Sunday, Pahor complained that he has been falsely viewed as a populist - which he says he is not - while Sarec was trying to assume the role of a "statesman." Pahor suggested that the "change of roles" cost him public support. Sarec, for his part, expressed confidence that he could win. "I wouldn't have run for the position if I hadn't thought I could be elected," he said. Pahor, a former model like the U.S. first lady, has held a number of public posts and was Slovenia's prime minister before he was first elected president in 2012. He has sought to portray himself as a uniter of all Slovenians. Critics say, however, the 54-year-old simply avoids taking stands on important issues. Sarec, in contrast, is a relative newcomer who has won support from many Slovenians fed up with established politicians. The 39-year-old was a well-known satirical comedian before entering politics in 2010 to run for mayor. Sarec won and gave up acting so he could commit to the job. He is currently serving his second term. ____ Ali Zerdin contributed from Ljubljana, Slovenia. JOVANA GEC/
