Slovenia’s ex-foreign minister and senior member of the now opposition right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), Anze Logar, has officially launched his new political party, the Democrats.

With the Democrats, Logar aims to create a centrist alternative in Slovenia’s political landscape. Positioned as a “third pillar,” the party seeks to bridge divides and focus on pragmatic solutions, hoping to attract a broad base of support across the country.

The founding congress took place on November 16 in Maribor, with Logar outlining a vision centred on cooperation, moderation and social cohesion.

“Slovenia is tired of the ‘against’ policy, tired of the fight of everyone against everyone in an already demanding regional and international environment,” Logar said at the party’s inaugural convention.

“Deep down, we all want to work together and progress. Let’s trust in success and create a strong political third pillar that will restore our faith in the future and pave the way to a victorious Slovenia!” he said in a Facebook post.

In his speech, Logar spoke of the Democrats’ commitment to fostering social integration and promoting the social market economy as a service that empowers individuals. He rejected extremism, called for trust in public institutions, and pledged not to introduce any new taxes on the economy, highlighting the importance of economic competitiveness.

“We are a party of social cohesion, essential for the long-term survival of the nation and its social market economy,” Logar said. “The state and politics must serve the people, and we aim to be close to citizens at all levels—local and national," RTV SLO reported on November 16.

Logar called for a "big programme coalition" in the coming decade to address Slovenia’s delayed responses to significant challenges.

Before Congress, Logar outlined the Democrats' programme priorities, focusing on five key areas: security, modernising society, fostering a favourable economic environment, reforming healthcare, and combating corruption. He emphasised that these issues will be crucial for the next two terms.

Logar’s move to establish the Democrats, followed the creation of the Cooperation Platform in May 2023, a political initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and addressing Slovenia’s pressing issues. Speculation had long surrounded the platform’s potential evolution into a formal party.

The new party signals a breakaway from the SDS, which has faced internal strife in recent months. Dejan Kaloh, an MP for the right-wing opposition SDS, resigned on October 19, following the exits of Logar and Eva Irgl earlier this year. Both had declined to sign a party loyalty pledge, further exacerbating tensions within the SDS.

As the tensions in Slovenia's political landscape intensify, there are rising expectations for early elections in 2025. Logar said in October that he expects elections around this time next year, citing signs of instability in the ruling coalition. While regular elections are scheduled for 2026, early polls now seem likely.