PRESIDENT-elect Andrej Kiska’s inauguration programme should give some idea as to how he views the role of the president. Kiska will be inaugurated this Sunday, June 15.
The inauguration will start with Kiska’s swearing the presidential oath at parliament’s ceremonial session, to take place in the building of the Slovak Philharmonic in central Bratislava. After that, Kiska will hold his inauguration speech, in which he wants to outline his idea of his work as president, according to the inauguration’s official programme provided by Kiska’s press office.
Kiska will then proceed with the presentation and the salute to the Armed Forces, after which he will move on foot to the ecumenical Te Deum worship in the St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Later on, in the Presidential Palace, Kiska will symbolically take over the office from outgoing President Ivan Gašparovič.
“I will open up the presidential palace to people who need help from all of us,” Kiska said, stressing that this should be his priority for the whole term. He will symbolically serve lunch to homeless people, seniors who benefit from social services and young people who grew up in orphanages.
To wrap up the official proceedings, Kiska will move to Devín Castle to lay wreaths at the Brána Slobody (Gateway to Freedom) memorial dedicated to the victims of the Iron Curtain.
In the evening, a reception will be held, to be attended by the prime minister, the speaker of parliament, MPs and MEPs, cabinet members, representatives of constitutional institutions and churches, diplomats and rectors of universities. Additionally, Kiska invited guests who represent successful Slovak companies, philanthropic and non-governmental organisations and cultural institutions, as well as laureates of the White Crow award for whistleblowers, and others.
“The composition of the guests represents the reason why I entered politics,” Kiska said, explaining that he invited those who help others and those in need of help.
Source: press release
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
presented in its Flash News postings.
