It would be too simple to attribute all the problems that Slovakia must currently face to the ongoing economic crisis, as they are rooted deeper - in political and ethical levels, said President Ivan Gašparovič in his traditional New Year's speech on January 1, as reported by the TASR newswire.
“This is a crisis of morals of global financiers, a crisis of politicians' capacity to act in order to change this state of affairs," asserted Gašparovič, cautioning that it is ordinary people that bear the heaviest burden of the situation.
"Even though the crisis is inhibiting us, there's no need to fear that we can't manage it," said the president, adding that despite many pessimistic prognoses, Slovakia is a dynamic and successful country, TASR wrote.
"We've received wide recognition for our perseverance, steadfastness, diligence and high-quality labour force,” said Gašparovič. “That's the reason why we're successful on the international market. That's why our people won't be lost outside our borders. And that's what justifies the pride in ourselves.”
Gašparovič also called on all Slovaks to show solidarity and patience, and appealed to people to help the current government, which, according to him, has been engaged in searching for socially viable ways to tackle the country's problems.
Gašparovič further claimed that 2012 could be viewed as a milestone for Slovakia with respect to its role in the changing European Union.
"[Slovakia] has an opportunity to formulate actively the shape of integrative co-operation and organisational reform ... After all, if we're prepared to offer up part of our sovereignty, we have the right to demand that commitments are met. Even more so if we meet our own," said Gašparovič.
In addition, the president said that the future of the country depends to a significant extent on its efforts towards increasing the output of the economy and of science and towards the effective use of its potential for innovation, according to TASR.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Spectator staff from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
