Natasa Pirc-Musar, who once appointed lawyer for former US President Trump’s wife Melania Trump, is expected to become the country’s first female president in the second round of Slovenian presidential elections. Natasa Pirc-Musar, backed by the centre-left government, is vying for the presidency in the European Union (EU) country of 2 million people with conservative veteran Anze Logar, AFP reported.
Musa was hired by Slovenian-born Melania Trump to assist Melania in protecting her interests during Trump’s tenure and prevent companies from selling goods under Melania’s name.
According to the latest polls, Musa will win with just over 50% of the vote, while Lorgar will get 44% to 49% of the vote.
Musa, who led Slovenia’s data protection agency for 10 years, said her victory would make her a “female voice” at home and abroad. Despite the Slovenian president’s largely formal role, Musa, an active human rights defender, has vowed to be a “moral authority”.
Musa has been targeted for her husband’s lucrative investments, especially in tax havens.
Lorja, 44, is also running as an independent, but is a longtime member of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS).
Janez Janša, who leads the Slovenian Democratic Party, lost re-election as prime minister in April after critics accused him of undermining the rule of law by attacking media freedom and the justice system during his tenure as prime minister.
Newspaper columnist Uros Esih said Musa had a “strong advisory body” that would allow it to compete with the relatively more experienced Lorgar, who could be a potential threat to Jansar’s party. “Only a tool”.
Lorgar ranked first in last month’s first round of voting. Analysts said if the second-round turnout rate is low, it will be beneficial to Lorgar, but polls predict about half of eligible voters will go to vote in the second round, compared to the first round. The rounds were much the same, and that would work in Musa’s favor.
Polling stations open at 7am (2pm Taipei time) and close at 7pm, with some results expected to be announced later the same day.
The current president, Borut Pahor, cannot stand for re-election this time because he has served two five-year terms.
Responsible editor: Yu Weining
