Miklosko has full opposition support for post of House Chair

The opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) is set to nominate its MP Frantisek Miklosko for the post of House chair, KDH leader Milan Majersky announced on Tuesday, lambasting the coalition for failing to agree on a new parliamentary chair.

"[Miklosko] is an individual who would be able to both unite and manage Parliament and would be able to communicate with all the parliamentary parties," said Majersky.

Miklosko expressed his gratitude for the trust shown in him. "If all the opposition political parties support me, I will accept this nomination," he said, noting that he doesn't consider it the right solution for Parliament to be headed by House Vice-chair Peter Ziga (Hlas-SD) until the end of the electoral term. "We're sending a signal to the whole world that we don't know how to govern," he remarked.

PS leader and House vice-chair Michal Simecka stated at a press conference  that Progressive Slovakia (PS) party supports Frantisek Miklosko (Christian Democrats/KDH) as a candidate for the House chair post.  "Frantisek Miklosko has more votes than any coalition candidate at the moment. The opposition is united on this, we've discussed this proposal and this name within the opposition for a long time, and I'm very glad that KDH has presented its candidate," stated Simecka.

Simecka thinks that not electing a House chair is a sign of disrespect for constitutional customs, as well as voters. When people went to the polling stations, they expected that a new composition of Parliament would be formed and that Parliament would have a proper leadership, he said, adding that Miklosko may not succeed in the election of the House chair, but the situation involving a missing parliamentary chief cannot be considered normal.

Opposition SaS also announced their support for Miklosko.  "The post of the House chair hasn't been properly filled. It's a scandal," noted MP Maria Kolikova (SaS). According to her, the governing coalition does not care about ensuring the proper functioning of Parliament.

Lawmakers representing the coalition of 'Slovakia'-Za ludi-KU will also support Frantisek Miklosko (KDH), head of the MPs' caucus Michal Sipos confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday.

"It's necessary for the opposition to unite and show the 'evil power' that rules here that we're capable of cooperation and capable of joining forces. Just as we've always been willing to provide signatures for ousters of ministers and for convening special sessions, we're also willing to deliver our votes to back the unified and joint opposition candidate for House chair," said Sipos.

Source: TASR