President Emphasises Need to Modernise Local Governments at ZMOS Congress

Bratislava, 27 May (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini highlighted the need to modernise local government, calling it the greatest challenge that cannot be ignored, during his speech at the congress of the Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS) on Tuesday, assuring local representatives that they have a reliable partner in the Presidential Palace. "After more than 30 years of a free and democratic Slovakia, the time has come to admit and openly acknowledge that the current way of governing the state and Slovak local administrations can't continue, and that we're facing the greatest task ever set before ZMOS and the state — to prepare the most significant reform of state governance and Slovak local governments in Slovakia's modern history," the president stated. In this context, Pellegrini spoke about overlapping competencies and also mentioned his January meeting with representatives of ZMOS, the Slovak Towns Union (UMS), and the regions. "We held a proper, extensive roundtable lasting over two hours, focusing on the need to prepare a reform of public administration and, more broadly, the governance of the state and local governments," Pellegrini explained. He believes the discussion will be challenging but insists the outcome must be a consensus between the government, ZMOS, UMS, and the Self-governing Regions Association (SK8). Pellegrini promised to create a neutral space for discussions on the future of Slovak local governments, focusing on financing, competencies, and the need for clear communication. The president highlighted priorities such as land reforms, early education, social service funding, and health-care recovery, expressing regret over stalled water and sewage projects but hoping they become a top priority. The president also praised local governments for maintaining services despite economic challenges and for their response to crises, including migration after the Ukraine war and the energy crisis, often stepping in where the state couldn't. lin