INCUMBENT Pavol Hrušovský is confident that he has massive support for his re-election bid as chairman of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH). From 1998-2002, he served as deputy speaker of parliament, then moved up to full speaker from 2002-2006. He has led the KDH since October 2000, and is currently one of its ministers of parliament.
The Slovak Spectator(TSS): The KDH national council nominated you for the post of chairman, yet Martin Fronc received 15 votes more than you. What's your view of the situation?
Hrušovský(PH): As far as I know, Fronc is only running for the post of vice-chairman for foreign affairs. Since I have not heard that he's changed his mind, I see no point in commenting on it further.
TSS: What do you predict will be the outcome of the KDH elections?
PH: I do not want to turn this important choice into a lottery by speculating on the results. Everything is in the hands of the delegates of the KDH congress. Personally, I tried to visit as many regions in Slovakia as possible, and talk with our members in person. I still have strong support.
TSS: Political observers and analysts blame you for not being decisive enough, and your rival Vladimír Palko for being too vehement. What are your strong and weak points?
PH:I have weaknesses, like everyone else. However, I have a vision for our Christian-Democratic policy that I am sure will bring the KDH success.
TSS: Political analysts say the KDH is in crisis, and might not receive enough votes to reach parliament. Is their scepticism justified?
PH: The KDH faced tough decisions when it merged to form the Slovak Democratic Coalition and, for a while, it became a non-parliamentary political party. But we have always succeeded in solving these kinds of difficult situations, and I hope we will do so now as well.
TSS: Why has voter support for the KDH stagnated? Is it because of the recent election defeat? Or due to the forming of two wings within the KDH - yours and that of Palko? Or do people currently just prefer leftist parties?
PH: We provided the current government with an excellent environment for success. The economy is in good shape and we have already gone through the difficult reforms.
That's how this government does nothing, and yet, brings in a lot of support. But we are still at the beginning of the election term.
The KDH is up for election, and I am convinced that by the end of this term, our popularity will be on the rise.
