Fico: Several Events Planned for May 15, Including Gathering in Handlova

Bratislava, May 11 (TASR) - The Smer-SD party is planning several events on Thursday, May 15, including a large gathering in the village of Handlova, which are to focus on the current state of society and the risk of increasing tension and polarization as a result of political developments, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) announced at a press conference on Sunday. "Slovak politics shouldn't be built on hatred, we reject that," said the prime minister while announcing the activities planned for May 15, the anniversary of the assassination attempt on him in Handlova. Fico also announced that the following week he would begin meetings at ministries, during which he wants to review the fulfillment of the government's Manifesto with the ministers. "In addition to a review, we will define the most important current tasks for this year," he said. The premier intends to reach out to the leaders of political parties to officially comment on his proposed agreement to move participation in Sunday political TV shows to weekdays. "So far, we have positions both for and against," he said, adding that if no agreement is reached, he will continue holding his press conferences on Sundays. Fico also spoke about his visit to Moscow for the celebrations marking the end of WW2. He stands by the belief that the trip had a serious moral foundation and sees it as a significant diplomatic success. In this context he mentioned his bilateral talks with the heads of state of the Russian Federation, China, and Brazil, stating that those negotiations were about tangible issues. In addition, Fico expressed criticism of the positions of Germany and France, which opposed the initiative by Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey. "What does it have to do with them — this is a matter for Russia and Ukraine to resolve. If this continues, the war will go on for several more years. I hope their position will change," Fico emphasized. mf