On Thursday, Culture Minister Marek Maďarič announced that he had stepped down from the post as vice-chair of the leading coalition party Smer-SD. Maďarič did so mainly due to his conviction that changes are needed within the party leadership. Later that day, the party presidium was held. Smer-SD chairman and Prime Minister Robert Fico told reporters that he wanted Culture Minister Marek Maďarič to remain in his government post. Smer-SD Kosice regional head and Kosice mayor Richard Raši is likely to replace Marek Maďarič in the post of Smer-SD vice-chairman, stated party chairman Robert Fico following a meeting of the party presidium on Thursday. Raši will have to be elected by Smer-SD delegates in a vote due to take place at a party congress on Saturday, December 9.
