Maroš Šefčovič running for President

The European Commission Vice-president for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič announced on Friday that he would run for the post of Slovak President. At a press conference held on this occasion he set his priorities as being a firm position within the EU, the modernisation of the country with a focus on social issues and an increasing standard of living. Despite the fact that he has been offered the possibility to run for president by the largest governing coalition party SMER-SD, Šefčovič claims he will be an independent President. In its reaction to his announcement, the largest opposition party SaS (Freedom and Solidarity) stated that by accepting this offer, Šefčovič had become the candidate of oligarchs and the mafia. „Maroš Šefčovič is a skilled diplomat but he has become a stranger in Slovak society," reacted the SaS. The presidential elections will be held on 16^th March. The second round of this election has been set for 30^th March. So far, 16 candidates have announced they will be running for the post. The incumbent Andrej Kiska will not run for a second term.