Slovenia Has Elected One Of Its Most Influential Lawyers As Its First Woman President
Independent candidate and lawyer, Natasa Pirc Musar, has become Slovenia’s first woman president after winning the second round of elections on Sunday Nov. 13.
Independent candidate and lawyer, Natasa Pirc Musar, has become Slovenia’s first woman president after winning the second round of elections on Sunday Nov. 13.
With a 49.9% voter turnout, Musar obtained at least 53% of eligible votes and defeated right-wing candidate and former foreign minister Andze Logar, according to the electoral commission.
Once the lawyer of former US first lady Melania Trump, the 54-year-old liberal politician, who had the backing of the center-left party, has promised to fight for human rights and democracy.
“I will do my best to be a true president for all, to work for fundamental and constitutional human and democratic rights and democracy,” Musar told press after winning, according to Reuters.
She also noted climate change is an important issue that should be discussed and is affecting the world.
“Young people are now putting the responsibility on our political shoulders to take care of our planet so that our next generation, our children, will live in a healthy and clean environment,” she said.
Musar started her career as a TV presenter before becoming one of the country’s most influential lawyers and the president of the Slovenian Red Cross from 2015 to 2016.
She also served as the country’s former Information Commissioner from 2004 to 2014 and has authored several books about the importance of freedom of information and privacy.
In Slovenia, the position of president is largely ceremonial, but presidents possess the power to nominate prime ministers and propose initiatives, while also serving as the commander in chief of the armed forces.
Musar has promised to be more outspoken in domestic issues, unlike her predecessor Borut Pahor.
