Vrhnika — Leaders of Slovenia’s Greens and the Party of Generations launched their electoral partnership Saturday with a detailed manifesto and full list of candidates for the upcoming general election.

The event drew hundreds of supporters to a convention hall in this central Slovenian town. Greens chair Tina Steiz and Party of Generations leader Ana Nuša Vidmar kicked off proceedings by outlining priorities centered on environmental protection, intergenerational equity and economic reforms.

“Our cooperation starts with sustainable development,” Steiz told the crowd. “We aim to balance economic growth with preserving Slovenia’s natural resources for future generations.”

Vidmar echoed the sentiment, adding that the alliance addresses Slovenia’s aging population and youth emigration challenges. The manifesto calls for expanded renewable energy projects, stricter pollution controls and incentives for young families to stay in the country.

Candidates include environmental engineer Marko Novak, tapped for a Ljubljana seat, and pension rights advocate Elena Kovač for the coastal district. Both parties nominated 20 candidates total, targeting 10 parliamentary seats in the 90-member National Assembly.

Officials said the partnership formed after months of talks, uniting the Greens’ 3% vote share from 2022 with the Party of Generations’ focus on demographic issues. Polls place the coalition below the 4% threshold for parliamentary entry, but leaders predict gains from voter frustration with larger parties.

The document proposes a €500 million green investment fund, tax breaks for low-emission businesses and universal childcare by 2027. It criticizes the ruling coalition for slow climate action and rising energy costs.

“Slovenia’s forests and rivers face real threats,” Novak said in a post-event interview. “Our platform delivers concrete solutions, not promises.”

Attendees cheered pledges to reform pension systems, ensuring solvency through green job creation. The convention featured youth panels and local farmer testimonials on climate impacts.

Election officials set the vote for April 13. The Greens and Party of Generations plan 50 rallies nationwide before then. Steiz dismissed merger rumors, calling it a strategic pact only.

Party spokespeople released the 40-page manifesto online immediately after the event. Downloads topped 5,000 within hours, according to their website.

This marks the Greens’ third attempt at coalition-building since entering parliament in 2018. The Party of Generations, founded in 2021, seeks its first seats amid debates over pension sustainability.

Analysts view the alliance as a test for niche parties in Slovenia’s fragmented politics, where nine parties hold seats. Larger blocs like the ruling Freedom Movement dominate polls at 28% support.