BRATISLAVA (Reuters) -- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico asked parliament on Tuesday for a vote of confidence in his government, which wants to balance building of a welfare state with the need to cut the fiscal deficit for euro adoption.

House speaker Pavol Paska said he expected the vote to take place on Thursday. The vote, required by the constitution, should be a formality as the ruling coalition holds a comfortable majority of 85 seats in the 150-seat parliament.

Fico presented his government program to deputies on Tuesday, saying he would conduct policies aimed at improving living conditions of Slovaks while ensuring the European Union member can adopt the euro in 2009, as planned.

"The government program, which I am presenting, is a program balancing the role of the state with market principles, a program balancing responsibilities of individuals with social solidarity," Fico told deputies.

The program said all policies, such as tax changes or budget measures, would be closely coordinated with the central bank to stay on track for euro adoption.

Slovakia wants to be the first of the four largest newer EU members in central Europe to enter the euro zone, but investors have feared Fico's leftist agenda could derail the ambition set by Dzurinda's government.

The government program lists plans to improve living conditions, including support for young families, more money for pensioners, and an end to unpopular fees for visiting a doctor.

The government also plans to introduce a lower value added tax (VAT) rate for selected goods and services, a move that will reduce budget income at the time when Slovakia needs to cut the fiscal deficit to become eligible for euro adoption.