Smer-SD held its congress

The leading coalition party Smer-SD summoned its members to a party congress in Martin, northern Slovakia, on Saturday. According to its leader Robert Fico, it is not going to be easy to win the election. "Some people believe that the state can be governed like a business company, but this isn't true," said the incumbent Prime Minister. At the same time, Fico pointed out that Smer needs to be ready for broad coalitions and it must include the word 'compromise' in its vocabulary. The senior governing party Smer-SD is losing voter support, positions and energy, as has been evident in several elections on various levels in recent years. Culture Minister Marek Maďarič, who recently resigned as Smer vice-chairman, said so at the party congress on Sunday. "I view major changes as necessary. That's why I've resigned - I wanted to begin with myself," said Maďarič. Košice mayor and MP Richard Raši was elected Smer-SD vice-chairman on Saturday to replace Marek Maďarič. Raši, who was recently defeated in the governorship race in the Košice region, said that he wanted to serve as a link between regions, the party leadership and the national Government.