There have been nine officeholders since the country gained parliamentary democracy in 1989 (as well as two between 1945 and 1953, when the office was renamed "President of the Executive Council").

The prime minister of Slovenia is nominated by the president of the republic after consultation with the parties represented in the National Assembly.

In practice, since the appointee must command a majority of the National Assembly in order to govern, the appointee is usually the leader of the majority party in the National Assembly or the leader of the senior partner in the governing coalition.

During the consultations, the president tries to identify a candidate that could secure an absolute majority in the National Assembly (46 votes).

Assembly takes vote on the candidate within 7 days, but not earlier than 48 hours after proposal.

Vote takes place no earlier than 48 hours from the proposal but not later than 7 days from it.

The prime minister officially takes office after all of his ministers take oath of office before the National Assembly, following the election of government with a relative majority in the National Assembly.