Internal disputes in SNS parliamentary club

MP and leader of the extra-parliamentary Narodna Koalicia/Nezavisli Kandidati (National Coalition/Independent Candidates) party Rudolf Huliak (SNS) has demanded that the name of the SNS caucus be changed.

Huliak wants to change the name to  ‘SNS - Narodna Koalicia/Nezavisli Kandidati’. He stated that the three MPs operating in the Narodna Koalicia, namely: him, Ivan Sefcik and Pavel Luptak, are responsible for their own actions and should bear the consequences of them without impacts on SNS.

Huliak declared that the MPs operating in the National Coalition remain a solid part of the SNS caucus and continue to support the Cabinet of Robert Fico (Smer-SD). We will absolutely respect the coalition agreement and, based on this fact and the declaration for reconciliation, we've agreed to support the candidacy of a Hlas-SD nominee for the post of the House chair," stated Huliak.

SNS chairman Andrej Danko stated in response to Huliak’s request that the name of the SNS caucus won't and can't be changed and sees the request as a betrayal of SNS.

Danko believes, however, that the coalition will not have fewer MPs. Nevertheless, the SNS leader distances himself from Huliak. The SNS chief also apologised to opposition MP Lucia Plavakova (PS) for the vulgar words directed at her by Huliak, and Danko expects the same from him. He also sees Huliak's support for the Hlas-SD party on the issue of the parliamentary chair as a betrayal.

"The SNS parliamentary caucus won't and can't change its name because a plenary would have to approve it. I refuse to be blackmailed from the position that someone isn't satisfied. I have many other opinions, which Rudolf Huliak promotes," said Danko at a press conference on Tuesday. He is shocked by Huliak's decision. "If you fight with political rivals, such as Hlas-SD, Smer-SD or the opposition, you are used to a political fight. But betrayal always hurts and I felt the betrayal of Rudolf Huliak today," stated Danko. However, he believes that he won't leave the caucus and pointed to Huliak's words that he isn't betraying the coalition. "If anyone is happy that the coalition will have fewer MPs, it isn't true," added the SNS chief.

Danko considered Huliak one of his closest collaborators. Now, he thinks that Huliak agreed with Hlas-SD in connection with the election of the House chair. SNS and Hlas-SD are disputing this post, as according to the coalition agreement Hlas-SD is entitled to it, but Danko is also interested in the post. "We've agreed in the coalition that Peter Ziga [Hlas-SD] will remain as acting chairman, that we'll focus on the work for the people," he said.

Source: TASR