KDH: Assassination Attempt a Reminder of Where Lack of Dialogue Can Lead (2)

Bratislava, May 15 (TASR) - The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) a year ago was a strong reminder of where things can lead when respect, decency, and the willingness to listen to one another are lost in politics and public discourse, vice-chair of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) Viliam Karas told TASR on Thursday. Karas voiced regret that over the past year, there has been no significant shift toward reconciliation in society, and that communication between political camps remains laden with emotion and personal attacks. Karas called for more calm and civility. "I remember the assassination attempt as an exceptionally tragic event that shook the entire society. It was the result of long-term tension, growing hatred, and polarization in the country. It reminded us where things can go when respect, decency, and a willingness to listen disappear from politics and public space. KDH strongly condemned the attack," stated Karas. The KDH vice-chair believes that there has been no meaningful progress toward reconciliation over the past year. "Slovakia remains divided; communication between political camps is often full of emotions and personal attacks," he illustrated. Karas believes that the coalition has not taken adequate steps to calm the situation. "We do not see a fundamental change in political communication; on the contrary – confrontational style often continues," he noted. KDH believes coalition members resort to insults and personal invectives. According to the Christian Democrats, the governing coalition is using the assassination attempt as a pretext to restrict freedoms and push through repressive laws. "Tensions in society have grown even more after the attack, partly due to the policies of the ruling coalition. Expressing a different opinion and attempting to uphold democratic principles cannot be labeled by the coalition as disrespecting election results or increasing societal tensions – that is something we cannot accept," said KDH vice-chair and MP Marian Caucik. Karas therefore called for more calm, decency, and substance in public discussion. "Politicians need to lead by example and prioritize a civilized, fact-based dialogue over personal attacks," he stated. According to him, Christian Democrats are committed to ensuring that their communication is constructive and contributes to calming society. "KDH has always stood on values of decency, respect, and substance. After the assassination attempt, we emphasized these principles even more – both internally with the party and externally in public," he said. He believes that only decent politics can bring Slovakia the unity and stability it needs. mf