Dear Slovak women (Slovenky), dear Slovak men (Slováci), esteemed fellow citizens,
The arrival of the New Year is always a leap into the unknown, bringing with it both hope and apprehension. That is why we always wish for the coming year to be at least slightly better than the last – for health, happiness, and contentment. From the depths of my heart, I wish that all the kind words you’ve undoubtedly heard from your loved ones come true, and that you find joy in their presence throughout the year.
Allow me, for the first time, to address you with a New Year’s wish as the President of the Slovak Republic. I extend my heartfelt wishes to our entire homeland and to all its people in every corner of Slovakia. May courage, stability, peace, and understanding abound in the New Year, for these are precisely what we so desperately need today.
On my travels across Slovakia, I have witnessed countless incredible stories of human courage. Some still send shivers down my spine. This is the courage to fight against fate, to persevere no matter the circumstances, and to find renewed strength each day not only for oneself but also for those around you.
I have seen caregivers in Banská Bystrica who selflessly tend to terminally ill children every day. Foster families doing everything they can to ensure that other children feel the love and warmth of a home. Staff in care homes providing our seniors with dignified and peaceful twilight years. I have also witnessed the bravery of our firefighters, soldiers, and police officers, risking their lives to save others.
But I have also recognised another kind of courage – the courage to stand on one’s own two feet, not waiting for help from others. Inspiring stories of people who, with their ideas and determination, first created jobs for themselves and now employ hundreds of others. People who refuse to sit idly by when faced with any form of injustice, fighting for their rights and those of their loved ones.
And so today, I wish such courage for all of us, esteemed citizens. To face challenges with faith in our own strength, which makes overcoming obstacles so much easier.
I particularly wish courage for the Slovak government. May it find the resolve in the New Year to take decisive steps in key areas where people urgently need to see real solutions. May it understand that its primary responsibilities lie here at home, not abroad. And may it channel its energy into endeavours that benefit our entire society, rather than wasting it on internal disputes or fleetingly emotive issues that do nothing to improve daily life in Slovakia.
Last year, the government made a bold decision to build a new nuclear power plant in Slovakia. Such decisive and far-reaching actions, with a long-term impact, are needed in other areas too. I am speaking of healthcare, education, road and rail infrastructure, as well as preparing Slovakia for a new industrial era, utilising advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and our immensely valuable resources, such as some of the world’s best drinking water.
I understand that the government’s work last year was shaped by necessary measures to consolidate public finances, and by the tragic event of the assassination attempt of the prime minister. However, there is no reason why the government should not fully utilise its second year in office to implement fundamental and long-term measures. It still has a unique opportunity to break away from the short-term governance style of election cycles and, through bold decisions, lay the groundwork for the long-term prosperity of our homeland, enhancing its competitiveness on the European and global stage.
As a president directly elected by the Slovak people, I will continue in the coming year to do everything in my power to address these long-term, challenging, yet critically important issues. I listen to people during my travels across Slovakia and know what troubles them and where they most need to see positive change. That is why last year I welcomed representatives from the healthcare and education sectors to the Presidential Palace, and why I will continue to address other key topics this year.
In 2025, the Presidential Palace will neither be an extension of the Government Office nor a political centre of opposition to it. It will remain a place where a long-term vision for Slovakia is sought and where the fundamental questions of our future are addressed.
Dear fellow citizens,
As the second key word for 2025, I have highlighted stability. The greatest prerequisite for stability is to ensure that we live this year in peace and safety.
I fervently wish for peace to prevail not only in Slovakia but also for the senseless killing to end in Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip, and in all parts of the world afflicted by wars and bloody conflicts.
While these wars and conflicts may outwardly claim to defend declared values, their true consequence is the daily loss of innocent lives and the immense suffering endured by women and children. Such suffering in the 21st century is a profound shame for our civilisation as a whole.
Achieving peace in Ukraine would be the most fitting way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which we will solemnly observe this year in Slovakia.
If Slovakia can genuinely contribute to establishing peace, we are duty-bound to act as swiftly as possible. However, I must reiterate: our citizens are entirely justified in expecting their government to prioritise addressing their real problems and taking concrete steps to improve their daily lives. People understand that Slovakia’s influence in global politics has its limits. They must never feel that the government is so preoccupied with international matters that it neglects them entirely.
It is perfectly legitimate to seek international cooperation beyond our fundamental, permanent, and unchanging ties with the European Union and NATO. However, this cooperation must yield tangible and measurable benefits for Slovakia and its citizens. It must not come at the expense of our European and transatlantic relationships, which are vital for Slovakia and to which all three of the highest constitutional officials of the Slovak Republic reaffirmed their commitment last year.
Dear fellow citizens,
Peace and security are fundamental prerequisites for the stability of our lives. Yet, we must also speak about internal stability, which is primarily determined by the political dynamics in our parliament. Here, I firmly believe that 2025 will be markedly different from the year before. After all, anyone can destroy and tear something down. But coming together for a worthy cause, creating something tangible for the people, and moving the entire country forward is far more challenging.
I hope that, this year, no one will take joy in demolishing something, harming someone, or destroying others. Instead, let us take pride in uniting, building something together, and steering our homeland towards a better future.
Not for the benefit of political parties, but for the good of all the people in Slovakia, I hope that political parties can ensure stability without resorting to actions that harm the entire country.
Dear citizens,
The third key point I wish to highlight is the need for calm, reconciliation, and understanding. In this, I do not appeal to politicians, for many, unfortunately, see conflict as their primary mode of existence. Instead, I appeal to all of us to actively contribute to this reconciliation and understanding ourselves.
During my pre-Christmas visit to the Vatican, I brought back a message from the Holy Father for Slovakia: Never look down on others – except when you are helping them up. It is an incredibly profound thought with two essential lessons.
Let us not look down on others for any reason: because they are different from us, grew up in a different environment, or belong to another race, faith, or sexual orientation. And above all, let us not look down on others because of their political views or differing perspectives of the world. Seeing the world through one’s own eyes is a fundamental right of every individual. We never truly know what pieces make up another person’s world. We do not know their destiny, cannot see inside their minds or phones, and cannot comprehend the fragments of knowledge that form their convictions.
Let us foster healthy and vibrant discussions, but never allow them to undermine basic facts and truths. Let us not disdain others for their political opinions, as this is the cornerstone of division through politics. Let us not allow politics to divide families, friends, or colleagues.
We must not view politicians as fans who blindly idolise their own and deeply despise others. Such hatred is incredibly contagious and quickly spreads from politicians to their supporters. This results in an epidemic of mutual hatred that is the ruin of every nation and community, consuming it from within like a severe illness.
The second part of the Holy Father’s message is precisely about what should replace hatred: mutual assistance and understanding. The willingness to help and the effort to listen to one another with an open heart is a choice each of us can make. Through our own daily actions, we can significantly contribute to restoring our nation’s inner unity and cohesion, qualities that have always helped us through our most challenging historical moments.
Having our own state is a gift we must cherish. We do not need to seek our worth in admiring foreign leaders, nations, or powers. Slovakia has its own achievements, heroes, and a unique path of which it can rightfully be proud.
We are a country whose identity was not built on cruelty or the oppression of others. Our history is also a story of help, compassion, and courage. When others needed assistance, Slovaks opened their hearts and doors. This is a legacy we must carry forward – simply being a nation of good people.
It is up to us to shape the image of our homeland and determine its future direction. As president, I will continue to act in ways that unite Slovakia rather than divide it so that solidarity, dignity, and humanity can grow in our lives.
I sincerely wish that each day of this year we make good decisions within ourselves. That we only stand over others when helping them up. May we be guided by hope, inner joy, health, and love from our loved ones.
Wishing you all a happy and successful 2025!
