Pro-Russian Speaker of Slovenian Parliament Vows Referendum on NATO Withdrawal Following Coalition Victory

Speaker Zoran Stevanović pledges a referendum on Slovenia's NATO withdrawal. Discover how the Resni.ca leader's pro-Russian stance could reshape Balkan security.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Militarnyi

Anti-Establishment Leader Ascends to Power

The political landscape in Slovenia has undergone a sharp shift with the election of Zoran Stevanović as the Speaker of the National Assembly. Stevanović, who leads the pro-Russian, anti-establishment party Resni.ca, secured the role through a secret ballot supported by 48 deputies. His rise to one of the country's most powerful legislative positions was made possible after his party attained a "deciding vote" during recent coalition negotiations, granting the fringe political movement significant leverage over the national agenda.

Pledge to Exit the Atlantic Alliance

Immediately following his election, Stevanović reaffirmed his commitment to a core campaign promise: a national referendum on Slovenia's withdrawal from NATO. The Speaker categorized the move as a fundamental obligation to his voters, signaling a potential departure from the country's long-standing security framework. This initiative places Slovenia at odds with the broader regional consensus on collective defense, particularly as tensions remain high across Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Isolationist Foreign Policy Doctrine

Stevanović has framed his opposition to NATO as a "pro-Slovenian" stance, despite widespread characterizations of his views as pro-Russian. During a recent interview, he argued that the country must prioritize neutrality and avoid involvement in external military or diplomatic disputes. According to the Speaker, Slovenia gains no tangible benefits from participating in international conflicts, and his administration in the Assembly will remain "absolutely opposed" to such engagements in the future.