Economic success, corruption, fascists in the parliament and Slovakia's position in NATO and the EU were the main topics which Slovak President Andrej Kiska talked about in his State of the Nation speech to the Parliament on Wednesday. As he said, Slovakia is doing well in terms of economics and there has not been such a wide scope for addressing big and substantial problems over the past 25 years as there is now.
In connection with the corruption issue, Kiska also said that politicians should bear their responsibility, mentioning recent anti-corruption marches. In them people demanded, among other things, the resignation of Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák. "Our society has not obtained a clear indication that the respective people have been sincerely seeking a way out of the trap they've dragged the country into," emphasised Kiska.
The president does not see politicians focusing on the important things. He pointed out the biggest weaknesses of Slovakia, such as the education and health sectors, the quality of life in regions, the exclusion of the Roma community, challenges related to the population's ageing and the country's innovation potential.
Kiska praised the efforts of Justice Minister Lucia Žitňanská and Health Minister Tomáš Drucker who deserve open political support. On the other hand, as he said the Opposition would help the country the most if it strove to return the political discussion to important issues and their addressing, he said.
The president stressed the need to find out why one part of society is willing to support a fascist party, which made it into parliament last year, adding that it might be a "cry for help" from some voters. The president also urged the Education Ministry to boost media education at all schools in order to face the problem of growing extremism and propaganda.
Kiska in his speech also advocated for independent media and urged MPs to bear the role of public-service media in their minds for the upcoming election of RTVS' general director, too.
Kiska also underlined that membership in the European Union and NATO is a necessary prerequisite for security, prosperity and ensuring a better life for our people. He believes that Slovakia should be in the core of the EU.
Prime Minister Robert Fico has found an ally in President Andrej Kiska, particularly in his initiative to get Slovakia into the core of the European Union, he said in reaction to the State of the Republic. Fico also stated that the Government is not neglecting the fight against corruption.
