Fico: President Tries to Be Non-partisan But Past Sometimes Catches Up with Him

Bratislava, 15 June (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini is doing everything he can to appear non-partisan but sometimes his partisan past catches up with him, which is understandable because that time is very short, Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said in response to a journalist's question on the evaluation of Pellegrini's first year as head of state. Fico considers it to be important that he has correct relations with the president. "The president is trying to pursue non-partisan politics, but it's hard to disengage when you were a party chairman. It's important for me that we have correct relations, we communicate," stated the prime minister. It's important for him that relations continue to be correct. In this context, he pointed out that many are trying to push him and Pellegrini into conflict, for example, when vetoing bills. He stressed that it is the right of the president, just as Parliament has the right to override a veto by the head of state. Pellegrini assumed the office of president on 15 June 2024. Prior to his election, he served as parliamentary chair and leader of the Voice-SD coalition party. He succeeded Zuzana Caputova as head of state. am