In an exclusive interview to Palki Sharma, Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa admits that Europe has not done enough to contain the growing threat from China. Jansa says the EU has put its economic interests above its values.

Gravitas: Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa speaks to WION

Slovenia's foreign minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo Pacific. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and very welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together".

Exclusive: Slovenia foreign minister bats for stronger ties with India

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together". On the Indo-Pacific vision, the foreign minister said, "We think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries."&nbsp;

His comments are important since Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. The Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal next month for the India EU summit. The summit happens under the Portuguese presidency. Asked about India EU Free Trade agreement, FM Logar pointed out that, his country "would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Slovenia ties?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: For Slovenia, India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation. India is the 3rd most important market in this region if we count it as bilateral trade. And I see many common positions, that we can take together, especially, with the new developments of digitalisation, artificial intelligence. Looking forward to enhanced cooperation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Next month Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal for the India EU summit. What will be the key focus. Also, on India EU FTA, while Indian political leadership is keen on it, but it looks some reluctance from European bureaucrats.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: In a way, India is becoming more and more important and even your foreign policy is growing its importance and interest in this global currents of political engagement and economical engagement. In that sense, European Union and India are sharing their values, values built on rule of law and coming from the same democratic hemisphere of the world. In that sense, one should only complement enhanced cooperation and I see initiatives from the Portuguese presidency, very good in a way to improve our bilateral exchange, be it from the economic point of view, be it from a political point of view. Due to the Slovenian geo strategical position, we have port koper, we can be a very good gate for Indian enterprises, in order to access the European hinterland. In that terms, Slovenia is very interested in enhancing cooperation at the EU level.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: And about the India EU FTA.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union. We saw free trade agreement between several countries in the Indo-Pacific region, in which India did not participate in the initiative. It is very important we proceed towards this initiative between India and the European Union. I see this, as one of the main topics on the agenda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia has great tourism potential, especially for Indian tourists.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: Slovenia can offer, on a very small piece of land everything, what to expect, perfect landscapes. This voice of beauty of Slovenia spread around quickly. In that sense, I would suggest, like better, on the highest possible engagement between our tourist agencies as well as to enhance our cooperation. Direct air flight would definitely enhance the availability of the Slovenian tourist market to Indian tourists. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation India and Slovenia have against Covid pandemic?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We can exchange information as the EU countries exchange it on a daily basis. And if there are some good consequences on countering pandemic, there are best practices in every country around the globe, if we can exchange this, we can tackle the crisis. This is a good way on how to proceed on a mix of measures that can lower volume of the spread of the crisis. Now, we are heading to the 2nd phase, which is the vaccination period, in that sense, it is a global problem. Until we globally vaccinate the population, we will still have problems with covid. So, we have to cooperate in that sense. India, has vast production capacities for vaccines, and the EU is trying to build up the capacities in producing our own, so we have vast space for cooperation. We are all on the same boat, so we have to go in same direction.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. Key focus areas.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We hope, we will be the first presidency in a row that will hold meetings in person. In-person rather than via audio and video because it gives pristine relation with interlocutors and it is much easier to agree on certain important details in person than via virtual connections. We hope we will be able to perform it in a full-fledged presidency. If we consider one globally important issue, it is to improve and enhance cooperation with our ally, the US. The last summit was 2017 and since then no discussion at the highest level. FTA between EU and US was stopped, and we have to kick that. The same is with India, we want to synchronise our views on bilateral exchange. Slovenia as a country of central Europe, we want to focus on countries of central Europe and western Balkans. There will be two main issues, one is resilient Europe on the health sector and we want to give strategic debate on managing the health crisis and aim to have good crisis management and second is cybersecurity. Data is next oil and EU needs to be prepared on safeguarding the digital life of European Union.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Chinese rise, how do you see that...&nbsp;

Anže Logar: China is a seasoned power, it is rising as well, India is rising as well. Big markets are increasing influence in the world and we need to take this into consideration. If look into the Slovenian side, we have imbalanced bilateral ties with China. We import much more than export, and from my perspective, in not so distant future, we want to balance this. Between the partners, we should have more or less the same exchanges. Slovenia can offer high edge technologies, we are taking an active part in seeing the possibility to enhance our bilateral ties. If we look at the EU perspective, the last days of the German presidency, the end of 2020, we had an institutional agreement on investment with China.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indo-Pacific vision?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: Lot of focus on Indo-Pacific, as well your FM Jaishankar in his book the Indian way, stressed on rediscovering Indo-Pacific and the importance of it. We know the first visit of the US Secretary of state was to Indo-Pacific. This is proof of the importance of the region. As the incoming presidency, we think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries. &nbsp;

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together". On the Indo-Pacific vision, the foreign minister said, "We think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries." His comments are important since Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. The Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal next month for the India EU summit. The summit happens under the Portuguese presidency. Asked about India EU Free Trade agreement, FM Logar pointed out that, his country "would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union". Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Slovenia ties? Anže Logar: For Slovenia, India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation. India is the 3rd most important market in this region if we count it as bilateral trade. And I see many common positions, that we can take together, especially, with the new developments of digitalisation, artificial intelligence. Looking forward to enhanced cooperation. Sidhant Sibal: Next month Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal for the India EU summit. What will be the key focus. Also, on India EU FTA, while Indian political leadership is keen on it, but it looks some reluctance from European bureaucrats. Anže Logar: In a way, India is becoming more and more important and even your foreign policy is growing its importance and interest in this global currents of political engagement and economical engagement. In that sense, European Union and India are sharing their values, values built on rule of law and coming from the same democratic hemisphere of the world. In that sense, one should only complement enhanced cooperation and I see initiatives from the Portuguese presidency, very good in a way to improve our bilateral exchange, be it from the economic point of view, be it from a political point of view. Due to the Slovenian geo strategical position, we have port koper, we can be a very good gate for Indian enterprises, in order to access the European hinterland. In that terms, Slovenia is very interested in enhancing cooperation at the EU level. Sidhant Sibal: And about the India EU FTA. Anže Logar: We would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union. We saw free trade agreement between several countries in the Indo-Pacific region, in which India did not participate in the initiative. It is very important we proceed towards this initiative between India and the European Union. I see this, as one of the main topics on the agenda. Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia has great tourism potential, especially for Indian tourists. Anže Logar: Slovenia can offer, on a very small piece of land everything, what to expect, perfect landscapes. This voice of beauty of Slovenia spread around quickly. In that sense, I would suggest, like better, on the highest possible engagement between our tourist agencies as well as to enhance our cooperation. Direct air flight would definitely enhance the availability of the Slovenian tourist market to Indian tourists. Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation India and Slovenia have against Covid pandemic? Anže Logar: We can exchange information as the EU countries exchange it on a daily basis. And if there are some good consequences on countering pandemic, there are best practices in every country around the globe, if we can exchange this, we can tackle the crisis. This is a good way on how to proceed on a mix of measures that can lower volume of the spread of the crisis. Now, we are heading to the 2nd phase, which is the vaccination period, in that sense, it is a global problem. Until we globally vaccinate the population, we will still have problems with covid. So, we have to cooperate in that sense. India, has vast production capacities for vaccines, and the EU is trying to build up the capacities in producing our own, so we have vast space for cooperation. We are all on the same boat, so we have to go in same direction. Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. Key focus areas. Anže Logar: We hope, we will be the first presidency in a row that will hold meetings in person. In-person rather than via audio and video because it gives pristine relation with interlocutors and it is much easier to agree on certain important details in person than via virtual connections. We hope we will be able to perform it in a full-fledged presidency. If we consider one globally important issue, it is to improve and enhance cooperation with our ally, the US. The last summit was 2017 and since then no discussion at the highest level. FTA between EU and US was stopped, and we have to kick that. The same is with India, we want to synchronise our views on bilateral exchange. Slovenia as a country of central Europe, we want to focus on countries of central Europe and western Balkans. There will be two main issues, one is resilient Europe on the health sector and we want to give strategic debate on managing the health crisis and aim to have good crisis management and second is cybersecurity. Data is next oil and EU needs to be prepared on safeguarding the digital life of European Union. Sidhant Sibal: Chinese rise, how do you see that... Anže Logar: China is a seasoned power, it is rising as well, India is rising as well. Big markets are increasing influence in the world and we need to take this into consideration. If look into the Slovenian side, we have imbalanced bilateral ties with China. We import much more than export, and from my perspective, in not so distant future, we want to balance this. Between the partners, we should have more or less the same exchanges. Slovenia can offer high edge technologies, we are taking an active part in seeing the possibility to enhance our bilateral ties. If we look at the EU perspective, the last days of the German presidency, the end of 2020, we had an institutional agreement on investment with China. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indo-Pacific vision? Anže Logar: Lot of focus on Indo-Pacific, as well your FM Jaishankar in his book the Indian way, stressed on rediscovering Indo-Pacific and the importance of it. We know the first visit of the US Secretary of state was to Indo-Pacific. This is proof of the importance of the region. As the incoming presidency, we think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries.

Slovenia FM bats for stronger ties with India, engagement on Indo-Pacific 

A statue of US first lady Melania Trump near her hometown in Slovenia was set on fire the night of July 4, according to the artist who commissioned the piece.&nbsp;

The wooden sculpture was taken down the day after it was set on fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trumps-former-aide-to-publish-book-report-311288">Also read: Melania Trump's former aide to publish book</a>

Brad Downey, the American artist who commissioned the sculpture of Melania Trump had it removed over the weekend after it was burned.

“I want to know why they did it,” said Downey, who had hoped the statue would foster a dialogue about the political situation in the United States, highlighting Melania Trump’s status as an immigrant married to a president sworn to reduce immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/melania-trump-visits-delhi-government-school-sits-in-happiness-class-initiative-282599">Also read: Melania Trump visits Delhi government school; sits in "Happiness Class" initiative</a> 
 
In Washington, the office of Melania Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donald-trump-in-india-us-president-gets-guard-of-honour-and-visits-raj-ghat-with-first-lady-melania-trump-282353#bilateral-talk-underway-282580">In Pics: Donald Trump in India — US President gets guard of honour and visits Raj Ghat with first lady Melania Trump</a>

Melania is a former model, businesswoman, and the current first lady of the United States, as the wife of the 45th president of the United States Donald Trump. At first, young Melania wanted to study architecture, but she was persuaded that modelling was a better option, and she found success doing mostly print work in Europe and, later, in New York City.&nbsp;

She married Donald Trump in 2005; became a US citizen in 2006. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A statue of US first lady Melania Trump near her hometown in Slovenia was set on fire the night of July 4, according to the artist who commissioned the piece. The wooden sculpture was taken down the day after it was set on fire.

A statue of US first lady Melania Trump near her hometown in Slovenia was set on fire the night of July 4, according to the artist who commissioned the piece. The wooden sculpture was taken down the day after it was set on fire. Also read: Melania Trump's former aide to publish book Brad Downey, the American artist who commissioned the sculpture of Melania Trump had it removed over the weekend after it was burned. “I want to know why they did it,” said Downey, who had hoped the statue would foster a dialogue about the political situation in the United States, highlighting Melania Trump’s status as an immigrant married to a president sworn to reduce immigration. Also read: Melania Trump visits Delhi government school; sits in "Happiness Class" initiative In Washington, the office of Melania Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In Pics: Donald Trump in India — US President gets guard of honour and visits Raj Ghat with first lady Melania Trump Melania is a former model, businesswoman, and the current first lady of the United States, as the wife of the 45th president of the United States Donald Trump. At first, young Melania wanted to study architecture, but she was persuaded that modelling was a better option, and she found success doing mostly print work in Europe and, later, in New York City. She married Donald Trump in 2005; became a US citizen in 2006. (With inputs from agencies)

Statue of US first Lady Melania Trump set on fire near her hometown in Slovenia

Hungary and Slovenia are working on a road map towards reopening of their borders after coronavirus pandemic forced European nations to seal internal borders to avoid spread. As per Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto post on his Facebook, these borders are scheduled to reopen by June 1.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-initiate-independent-evaluation-at-earliest-appropriate-moment-who-chief-on-coronvirus-pandemic-299468" hreflang="en">WHO chief pledges independent evaluation on COVID-19 at 'appropriate moment'</a>

Hungary has started easing coronavirus measures from Monday onwards. The citizens are urged to wear masks while visiting shops and travelling in public transport.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439">China always transparent about COVID-19: President Xi at WHO video conference</a>

Foreign Minister Szijjarto wrote: "Restarting our economies is not possible without restarting international cooperation. Therefore, without jeopardising the protection of health, which is a priority, an easing of restrictive measures imposed at the borders is needed."

The two European Union member states share an annual trade of more than 2.5 billion euros.&nbsp;

According to a Reuters survey, A phased reopening is the government's strategy to head off deeper and more lasting harm to the economy, which is expected to shrink by about 4 per cent this year.

Hungary has reported 3,535 cases of the novel coronavirus, this includes 462 deaths and 1,400 recoveries, whereas, Slovenia has reported 1,466 cases and 104 deaths.&nbsp;

According to Szijjarto, both countries imposed lockdown to curb coronavirus spread and have allowed a gradual restart of economic activity.

"Taking all this into account, we have started working on a gradual phase-out of measures restricting border crossings, setting June 1 as a target date," Szijjarto wrote.

Hungary and Slovenia are working on a road map towards reopening of their borders after coronavirus pandemic forced European nations to seal internal borders to avoid spread.

Hungary and Slovenia are working on a road map towards reopening of their borders after coronavirus pandemic forced European nations to seal internal borders to avoid spread. As per Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto post on his Facebook, these borders are scheduled to reopen by June 1. Also read: WHO chief pledges independent evaluation on COVID-19 at 'appropriate moment' Hungary has started easing coronavirus measures from Monday onwards. The citizens are urged to wear masks while visiting shops and travelling in public transport. Also read: China always transparent about COVID-19: President Xi at WHO video conference Foreign Minister Szijjarto wrote: "Restarting our economies is not possible without restarting international cooperation. Therefore, without jeopardising the protection of health, which is a priority, an easing of restrictive measures imposed at the borders is needed." The two European Union member states share an annual trade of more than 2.5 billion euros. According to a Reuters survey, A phased reopening is the government's strategy to head off deeper and more lasting harm to the economy, which is expected to shrink by about 4 per cent this year. Hungary has reported 3,535 cases of the novel coronavirus, this includes 462 deaths and 1,400 recoveries, whereas, Slovenia has reported 1,466 cases and 104 deaths. According to Szijjarto, both countries imposed lockdown to curb coronavirus spread and have allowed a gradual restart of economic activity. "Taking all this into account, we have started working on a gradual phase-out of measures restricting border crossings, setting June 1 as a target date," Szijjarto wrote.

Hungary and Slovenia to reopen borders on June 1: Hungarian Foreign Minister

Institute for Economics and Peace ranks the most peaceful countries

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday embarked on an official nine-day visit to Iceland, Switzerland, and Slovenia to enhance India's political and economic ties with the three European countries.

The President, accompanied by his wife Savita Kovind left for Iceland on Sunday evening. Kovind will arrive in Iceland and will hold talks with his Icelandic counterpart Gudni Th&nbsp;Johannesson and Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.

He will also deliver a lecture at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik on 'India-Iceland partnership towards making a greener planet'.

The second leg of the visit to Switzerland will begin on September 11.

The President will have wide-ranging discussions with his Swiss counterpart and country's cabinet.

An Indian business delegation accompanying Kovind will engage with their Swiss contemporaries at the India-Swiss Business Forum.

"India and Switzerland have very extensive economic and trade relationships. The forum aims to take these relations to higher levels."

The President has been invited to address the University of Bern on the theme 'India-Switzerland new age partnership connecting Himalayas with Alps'.

The final leg of the visit to Slovenia will begin on September 15 and mark the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the country.

During the visit, Kovind will hold wide-ranging discussion with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor and the National Assembly President.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday embarked on an official nine-day visit to Iceland, Switzerland, and Slovenia to enhance India's political and economic ties with the three European countries.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday embarked on an official nine-day visit to Iceland, Switzerland, and Slovenia to enhance India's political and economic ties with the three European countries. The President, accompanied by his wife Savita Kovind left for Iceland on Sunday evening. Kovind will arrive in Iceland and will hold talks with his Icelandic counterpart Gudni Th Johannesson and Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir. He will also deliver a lecture at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik on 'India-Iceland partnership towards making a greener planet'. The second leg of the visit to Switzerland will begin on September 11. The President will have wide-ranging discussions with his Swiss counterpart and country's cabinet. An Indian business delegation accompanying Kovind will engage with their Swiss contemporaries at the India-Swiss Business Forum. "India and Switzerland have very extensive economic and trade relationships. The forum aims to take these relations to higher levels." The President has been invited to address the University of Bern on the theme 'India-Switzerland new age partnership connecting Himalayas with Alps'. The final leg of the visit to Slovenia will begin on September 15 and mark the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the country. During the visit, Kovind will hold wide-ranging discussion with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor and the National Assembly President.

President Ram Nath Kovind embarks on 9-day visit to Iceland, Switzerland, Slovenia

Slovenia faces tense political wrangling&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;after the party of veteran leader Janez Jansa, who invoked the spectre of a migrant invasion on the campaign trail, came out on top in elections but fell far short of a majority.

With virtually all the votes counted, Jansa's SDS has secured just under 25 per cent -- giving it 25 seats in the 90-seat assembly -- and the "anti-establishment" LMS party of comedian-turned-politician Marjan Sarec has placed second with 12.7 per cent and 13 seats, the State Election Commission said.

During the campaign, Jansa made common cause with fellow right-wing firebrand Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and effectively evoked memories of more than 500,000 migrants who crossed Slovenia in late 2015 and early 2016 -- although all except a handful of them continued on to northern Europe.

In a televised statement&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;evening, delivered with little triumphalism, the 59-year-old Jansa said his Slovenian Democratic Party's "door for talks and coalitions is open" to all other parties.

"We are ready to start serious talks based on the programme we have been working hard on," he said.

He reiterated his anti-migrant position saying migration was "the most serious challenge according to most Europeans".

The only party which has so far said it would work with Jansa, the centre-right Nova Slovenija, has won just 7.1 per cent and seven seats, leaving the two parties short of the 46 needed for a majority.

That leaves the second place LMS party potentially with a crucial role to play.

Speaking to the POP TV station after polls closed, Sarec said he was "very happy" with the results, hinting that it could give him the opportunity to band with other parties to keep Jansa out of power.

During the campaign, Sarec said that Jansa's anti-immigration rhetoric and his appearances with Orban "crossed all red lines".

On Sunday&nbsp;evening Sarec repeated his opposition to working with Jansa, saying: "We have said it so many times in public that we would not be trustworthy if we did."

Sarec had been criticised for his vague platform during the campaign but recently told AFP his party "has many things in common with (French President) Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron's position, a sensible, centrist orientation".

The centre-left Social Democrats have finished in third place on 9.9 per cent followed by the SMC party of outgoing prime minister Miro Cerar on 9.7 per cent and the left-wing Levica party with 9.3 per cent.

Early elections were called in March after Cerar threw in the towel following months of public-sector strikes and internal wrangling within his coalition, with the last straw coming when a supreme court verdict on a flagship infrastructure project went against the government.

On Sunday&nbsp;Cerar told POP TV that the "results show that we (SMC) remain an important player on the political stage and we will continue fulfilling our role with responsibility".

Just under 52 per cent of the 1.7 million Slovenians eligible to vote turned out.

Jansa's political career stretches back to the country's struggle for independence from Yugoslavia and has already seen its fair share of drama. In 2013 he was forced to step down from the second term as prime minister over a corruption scandal and ran in the 2014 elections from jail -- the conviction was later overturned.

In this campaign, he promised to tackle the thorny issues of healthcare reform and disputes with neighbour Croatia, as well as promising tax cuts.

But it was his combative personality, strident anti-immigration rhetoric and alliance with Orban that dominated the closing stages of the campaign.

Like right-wing populists elsewhere he has adopted a feisty presence on Twitter and has used it to defend his alliance with Orban.

"Thanks to its (migration) policy, Hungary is a safe country while Belgium, due to its wrong policy, isn't," read a recent tweet from Jansa, who first served as prime minister from 2004-08.

Last month Orban said a&nbsp;SDS victory "would ensure the survival of the Slovenian people".

According to Slovenian media reports, Jansa's media campaign was also boosted by investments totalling some two million euros ($2.3 million) from Hungarian media companies in a TV station and newspaper co-owned by SDS.

For the first time in over a decade, the elections took place against a backdrop of strong economic growth rather than financial crisis or recession.

But Cerar's government did not reap any political benefit from the turnaround, with his rivals focusing on growing hospital waiting lists and demands for higher pensions and wages and a better business environment.

Analysts say that in the near future political instability may well persist, whether under a right-wing, Jansa-led government or one from the centre-left.

During the campaign, Sarec said that Jansa's anti-immigration rhetoric and his appearances with Orban "crossed all red lines"

Slovenia faces tense political wrangling Monday after the party of veteran leader Janez Jansa, who invoked the spectre of a migrant invasion on the campaign trail, came out on top in elections but fell far short of a majority. With virtually all the votes counted, Jansa's SDS has secured just under 25 per cent -- giving it 25 seats in the 90-seat assembly -- and the "anti-establishment" LMS party of comedian-turned-politician Marjan Sarec has placed second with 12.7 per cent and 13 seats, the State Election Commission said. During the campaign, Jansa made common cause with fellow right-wing firebrand Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and effectively evoked memories of more than 500,000 migrants who crossed Slovenia in late 2015 and early 2016 -- although all except a handful of them continued on to northern Europe. In a televised statement on Sunday evening, delivered with little triumphalism, the 59-year-old Jansa said his Slovenian Democratic Party's "door for talks and coalitions is open" to all other parties. "We are ready to start serious talks based on the programme we have been working hard on," he said. He reiterated his anti-migrant position saying migration was "the most serious challenge according to most Europeans". The only party which has so far said it would work with Jansa, the centre-right Nova Slovenija, has won just 7.1 per cent and seven seats, leaving the two parties short of the 46 needed for a majority. That leaves the second place LMS party potentially with a crucial role to play. Speaking to the POP TV station after polls closed, Sarec said he was "very happy" with the results, hinting that it could give him the opportunity to band with other parties to keep Jansa out of power. During the campaign, Sarec said that Jansa's anti-immigration rhetoric and his appearances with Orban "crossed all red lines". On Sunday evening Sarec repeated his opposition to working with Jansa, saying: "We have said it so many times in public that we would not be trustworthy if we did." Sarec had been criticised for his vague platform during the campaign but recently told AFP his party "has many things in common with (French President) Emmanuel Macron's position, a sensible, centrist orientation". The centre-left Social Democrats have finished in third place on 9.9 per cent followed by the SMC party of outgoing prime minister Miro Cerar on 9.7 per cent and the left-wing Levica party with 9.3 per cent. Early elections were called in March after Cerar threw in the towel following months of public-sector strikes and internal wrangling within his coalition, with the last straw coming when a supreme court verdict on a flagship infrastructure project went against the government. On Sunday Cerar told POP TV that the "results show that we (SMC) remain an important player on the political stage and we will continue fulfilling our role with responsibility". Just under 52 per cent of the 1.7 million Slovenians eligible to vote turned out. Jansa's political career stretches back to the country's struggle for independence from Yugoslavia and has already seen its fair share of drama. In 2013 he was forced to step down from the second term as prime minister over a corruption scandal and ran in the 2014 elections from jail -- the conviction was later overturned. In this campaign, he promised to tackle the thorny issues of healthcare reform and disputes with neighbour Croatia, as well as promising tax cuts. But it was his combative personality, strident anti-immigration rhetoric and alliance with Orban that dominated the closing stages of the campaign. Like right-wing populists elsewhere he has adopted a feisty presence on Twitter and has used it to defend his alliance with Orban. "Thanks to its (migration) policy, Hungary is a safe country while Belgium, due to its wrong policy, isn't," read a recent tweet from Jansa, who first served as prime minister from 2004-08. Last month Orban said a SDS victory "would ensure the survival of the Slovenian people". According to Slovenian media reports, Jansa's media campaign was also boosted by investments totalling some two million euros ($2.3 million) from Hungarian media companies in a TV station and newspaper co-owned by SDS. For the first time in over a decade, the elections took place against a backdrop of strong economic growth rather than financial crisis or recession. But Cerar's government did not reap any political benefit from the turnaround, with his rivals focusing on growing hospital waiting lists and demands for higher pensions and wages and a better business environment. Analysts say that in the near future political instability may well persist, whether under a right-wing, Jansa-led government or one from the centre-left.

Anti-migrant party in front in Slovenia election

The technicolor construction in Slovenia used to be a prison built by the Austro-Hungarian army that remained in use till the early 1990s. The jail was artistically renovated into a quirky backpackers hostel by 80 local and international artists to stop the building&rsquo;s demolition. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/coXO0kWXqsk?list=PLmWa9ZZLlCjt0Jlg7kN3JBNX4LH1sRsGh" width="970"></iframe> 
 
It was named as Hostel &lsquo;Celica&rsquo;, which means cell in Slovene to revere the building&rsquo;s past identity. The twenty cells are confined with bars on all exit points and are allocated to guests without choice like prisoners to add to the feeling of conviction.&nbsp; 
 
Besides the fascinating history and creative decor, the hostel is also known for the sustainability measures taken to maintain an eco-friendly environment. The hostel won the Gold Travelife for sustainability in tourism because of initiatives like recycling, re-using materials and monitoring the cost of energy 
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80 artists renovate a jail into a quirky backpackers hostel

The technicolor construction in Slovenia used to be a prison built by the Austro-Hungarian army that remained in use till the early 1990s. The jail was artistically renovated into a quirky backpackers hostel by 80 local and international artists to stop the building’s demolition. It was named as Hostel ‘Celica’, which means cell in Slovene to revere the building’s past identity. The twenty cells are confined with bars on all exit points and are allocated to guests without choice like prisoners to add to the feeling of conviction. Besides the fascinating history and creative decor, the hostel is also known for the sustainability measures taken to maintain an eco-friendly environment. The hostel won the Gold Travelife for sustainability in tourism because of initiatives like recycling, re-using materials and monitoring the cost of energy

Video: A night in the lock-up at the stylish prison turned hostel

Now, spend a night in this incredible prison turned hostel in Slovenia.

Slovenia's Prison Hostel

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