Slovenian PM passes confidence vote

Slovenia’s government has survived a confidence vote, boosting its efforts to avoid seeking an international bailout.

Following a 19-hour debate, politicians voted 50-31 to back the government of Prime Minister Alenka Bratusek. The vote was tied to the 2014 budget, which was sharply criticised by the opposition.

The centre-left government plans higher taxes, spending cuts and privatisation in the hope of avoiding a bailout. The 2014 budget includes higher taxes on property.

The biggest challenge for Slovenia will be the results of a stress test for bad bank loans, which are expected in mid-December. Slovenia has allocated €1.2bn to support the banks, but analysts have warned the costs could be much higher.