Two months before Slovenia’s next parliamentary elections, long-time leader of the Left (Levica), Matej Tašner Vatovec, defected to the rival Social Democrats (SD).
Vatovec confirmed his defection in a joint press conference January 6 with the Social Democrats’ leader Matjaž Han and parliamentary group leader Meira Hot.
The defection further shrinks Levica’s parliamentary group, already reduced after the 2025 exclusion of Miha Kordiš (who founded his own party Mi, socialisti).
Levica was now left with only three MPs, which could affect their status and resources in the National Assembly.
Vatovec, a veteran MP first elected in 2014 and re-elected twice, explained he had taken the decision after long reflection, and not lightly or hastily.
He said he now believes he can contribute more to the country as part of the strengthened SD team than he could within Levica.
Vatovec said he particularly wanted to work alongside his new party colleagues in reinforcing social-democratic values, the country’s welfare state and rule of law, and protection against the rise of the Right in Slovenia and Europe.
Han welcomed Vatovec warmly, and described him as an experienced, respected parliamentarian of the rising generation.
He called him a “man of his word”, known for compromise and dignity in politics across ideological lines.
Han also framed the defection as a step that strengthens the chances of a centre-left victory in the upcoming elections, emphasising the need for a strong social-democratic force to safeguard the social state and counter “savage right-wing” governance.
The announcement came as a surprise to Levica.
Vatovec informed the party only on the day of the press conference, with fellow MPs learning about his defection from journalists rather than directly from him.
The party’s joint leader Asta Vrečko reacted sharply, and accused Vatovec of betraying the party for personal and political gain.
Levica is built on Democratic Socialist principles where the common good outweighs individual interests, and that politics should not be driven by personal benefit, she said.
Vrečko denied any prior internal disputes or indications of his departure, noting that the party had fully supported his candidacy for re-election.
Other Levica figures expressed similar sentiments. MP Nataša Sukič described it as a “complete shock”, and said she could not believe it until seeing it in black and white.
Vatovec has been a prominent figure in Levica since he was first elected to parliament over a decade ago from the Koper electoral district.
He has served continuously as the parliamentary group leader since 2018, playing a key role in coalition negotiations and policy debates.
His wife, Maja Tašner Vatovec, previously headed the cabinet of former Labour Minister Luka Mesec (Levica).
The timing, just weeks after President Nataša Pirc Musar set the date for coming elections, adds to the country’s political drama.
It reshapes dynamics on the left-centre spectrum amid a fragile coalition government under Prime Minister Robert Golob (Gibanje Svoboda).
SD now has nine MPs up from eight, following the earlier addition of former Svoboda MP Mojca Šetinc Pašek in September 2025.
