President Caputova Doesn't Intend to Engage in Party Politics

(Markiza, Na telo, May 5) Speaking on TV Markiza's politics show 'Na telo' (Tough Questions) on Sunday, President Zuzana Caputova said that she doesn't intend to engage in party politics. Caputova doesn't regret her decision not to re-run for the post of the head of state. She sees her place primarily in Slovakia. "I'll try to be useful in the public space, not in politics," said Caputova. She wants to be an active citizen in areas where she has some kind of knowledge. She won't return to her law practice. Caputova pointed to the fact that the president isn't the president of the government, but of the citizens of Slovakia. According to her, it is healthy for the head of state to have a high degree of internal freedom and independence. "A kind of tension between the government and the president is okay and absolutely normal," noted Caputova. However, the president should also seek constructive cooperation with the government. She said that she's already met her successor Peter Pellegrini regarding practical matters. The president disagrees with the narrative that the meetings of the European Council and other formats with our allies are war councils. According to her, everyone wishes for peace. She is pleased about the consensus with the government that Russia is an aggressor in case of the war in Ukraine. The head of the state also said that she has identified herself with the voices disagreeing with the potential nomination of Stefan Harabin to the Judicial Council. "I think that we all understand why and that's right," she noted. ko