Maroš Šefčovič (source: SITA)
Vice-President of the European Commission for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič confirmed he will run for president in the March election.
Though he announced he would run for president based on the offer of the Smer party, none of its representative came to the January 18 press conference. He was accompanied only by his wife, the Sme daily reported.
Šefčovič said he appreciates Smer’s offer.
“I have achieved big milestones with this party. We’ve been collaborating for a long time,” he said, as quoted by Sme. However, he reminded the public that he is not a member of Smer.
He did not confirm whether or not he is Smer’s candidate, but said he would rely on the party’s help when financing his campaign. He will also rely on the signatures of Smer’s MPs under his candidacy.
“Our country needs a good, non-partisan president,” Šefčovič said.
He told journalists he wants to guarantee Slovakia’s position in the EU. He is concerned about the voices that cast doubt on where Slovakia should belong.
If Smer manages to mobilise its voters and help Šefčovič become more visible in Slovakia, he has a chance to make it to the second round, said Martin Slosiarik, head of the Focus pollster, Sme wrote.
Who is Šefčovič?
Šefčovič (52) graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. He served as Slovakia’s ambassador to Israel, and between 2001 and 2009 was the country’s ambassador to the EU.
He became a member of the European Commission in 2009 and was responsible for education, culture and youth. When the EC president's post was taken by José Barroso, Šefčovič became one of the vice-presidents. He also serves as vice-president in the EC, led by Jean-Claude Juncker, and is responsible for the Energy Union.
Šefčovič ran on a Smer platform for the European Parliamentary elections in 2014, and originally wanted to run for the party this year as well, the Denník daily N wrote.
