Smer-SD: President Pellegrini Aims to Be Non-Partisan, But Has Political Past

Bratislava, 12 June (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini is trying to remain non-partisan but is at a disadvantage, the coalition Smer-SD party stated on Thursday in its assessment of his first year in office . "President Peter Pellegrini is trying to be non-partisan but is at a disadvantage, as he was the leader of the [coalition] Voice-SD party and the House chair when the government manifesto was adopted. However, a comprehensive assessment requires more time," the party's press department has told TASR. Smer-SD also stated that it respects the president’s decision to return certain laws to Parliament for reconsideration. "Pellegrini's State of the Republic address in Parliament met the expectations of the opposition rather than the coalition," claimed the party. Peter Pellegrini assumed the office of president on 15 June 2024. Before his election, he served as parliamentary chair and as the leader of the coalition Voice-SD party. He succeeded Zuzana Caputova as head of state. lin/df