PS: Pellegrini Hasn't Yet Managed to Cast Off Coalition President's Shadow

Bratislava, 12 June (TASR) - Peter Pellegrini hasn't yet managed to cast off the shadow of a coalition president, opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka said while assessing Pellegrini's first year in the office. According to Simecka, president should be an impartial representative of all citizens and a man who will stand up for those whom the government overlooks or oppresses. At the same time, the president should be the voice of culture, environmental protection, an advocate of public finances, and a dignified foreign policy. "Peter Pellegrini sometimes names problems, but more than just words are expected from the president - he is expected to act. He has the tools to do so: he can summon ministers, he has the mandate to act. I wish he would use this influence more actively and strive to really fix the government's actions in areas where it fails," stated Simecka. Simecka noted that the president in his inaugural speech spoke of a divided society and promised to act as a conciliator. He indirectly criticised some ministers. However, society is just as, if not more polarised after his one year in the office, stated Simecka. If the president set himself the goal of easing social tension, it should be honestly said that he hasn't succeeded in that so far, he added. 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 replaced Zuzana Caputova in the post. ko