Bank of Slovenia Deputy Governor Dolenc Proposed as Governor

7 January 2026

By David Barwick – FRANKFURT (Econostream) – Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar on Wednesday nominated Banka Slovenije Deputy Governor Primož Dolenc to become governor of the central bank, a post that carries a seat on the European Central Bank’s Governing Council.

Pirc Musar’s office said in a press release on the website of the presidency that the nomination was transmitted to the National Assembly ahead of its regular session starting Monday, January 26, when lawmakers can vote on the proposal.

Dolenc has led the institution as deputy governor for exactly a year since the previous governor, Boštjan Vasle, left office and the authorities failed to appoint a successor. He has participated in ECB Governing Council meetings, but has no vote.

In backing Dolenc, the government pointed to his second term as vice governor, his academic background in finance, macroeconomics and banking, and prior experience at the Finance Ministry and at Abanka Vipa and Deželna banka Slovenije.

“During the period when Slovenia did not appoint a governor of its central bank, Dr. Dolenc led the institution competently, professionally and independently,” the release said.

Addressing questions about another potential contender, Matej Falatov, the government noted his legal issues involving the central bank. Falatov's failure to disclose these proactively had hindered his candidacy.

“Falatov is an experienced and professionally competent banker, but together with some other individuals he is in a legal dispute with the Bank of Slovenia,” the statement said. “These circumstances constitute a direct conflict of interest until the legal dispute is finally concluded.”

“The President of the Republic is aware that Dr. Dolenc does not yet have the support of the coalition, but she assesses that Mag. Falatov cannot be a candidate due to the aforementioned conflict of interest until the conclusion of the legal proceedings,” the release said.