Parties of a likely future coalition government in Slovakia – the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) and Most-Híd – should be able to formally define their joint stance and announce it to President Ivan Gašparovič by the end of this week, Ján Figeľ the chairman of KDH told the TASR newswire on Monday, June 14.

Figeľ, who earlier in the day was tasked by KDH’s presidency with leading coalition talks on behalf of the party, reiterated that his party sticks to its pledge not to discuss forming a coalition with the Smer party. Incumbent Prime Minister and Smer leader Robert Fico was tasked by Gašparovič with launching official talks concerning a future coalition. Figeľ denies having received a formal offer by Smer to discuss a possible coalition, but confirmed that unofficial proposals have been made.

Asked whether he concedes that there is a possibility that right-wing talks might fall flat, the KDH chairman replied that the talks are barely getting started.

“I don't want, nor can I, jump the gun. An agreement matters to us, and that’s what is important for Slovakia, too,” Figeľ said, adding “I assume that we'll be holding consultations on more or less a daily basis and make further moves so that we can, as soon as possible, formalise our joint stance.”

Information has appeared in the media that KDH aims to nominate three ministers in the future government make-up – from the economic, law-enforcement and social areas.

When it comes to KDH's internal rule dictating that “one mandate is enough”, according to which a KDH MP cannot at the same time hold a post in local administration, Figeľ said that this is still the case. Bratislava Mayor Andrej Ďurkovský, who has now been elected as an MP, will thus have to pick either of the posts. “I'll certainly adhere to the principle of 'one mandate is enough',” said Ďurkovský.

Source: TASR

Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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