Slovenian PM to stay on despite coalition breakup

(AP) Slovenia's embattled prime minister has refused to step down despite the breakup of his ruling coalition, saying an election now would be a bad solution for the small European Union nation that is struggling to avoid an international bailout.

Janez Jansa said Thursday he will stay on until removed from the post in a no-confidence vote or as the result of a wider political agreement. He said Slovenia cannot afford to hold early elections at this point.

Slovenia has introduced reforms and austerity measures to cut costs amid a deep financial crisis linked to the eurozone's debt crisis. It is among the 17 nations that use the common euro currency.

The Civic List party quit the ruling coalition Wednesday after Jansa refused to resign over corruption allegations against him.