Slovakia's Conservative Democrats (KDS) is the name of a new political party requesting registration on July 15 at the Interior Ministry through one of its founders, Vladimír Palko, who submitted the 10,000 signatures collected in support of the party.
Palko, František Mikloško, Pavol Minárik and Rudolf Bauer are lawmakers who left the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) in late February over disagreements with the leadership. According to Palko, the KDS pursues politics based on economic freedom and "compassionate conservatism", which is contrary to the current trends in the country that he described as "red" and with incomprehensible politics.
Palko did not confirm whether he was a candidate for the chairmanship of the new party or whether he is KDS' chosen candidate for the presidency in 2009. KDS says it wants its presidential candidate to imbue the qualities of a head of state - conservative, professing Christian values and representing the conscience of the nation. Palko refused to confirm that Mikloško will be the presidential candidate, as the party is still discussing the matter. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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