Pellegrini: Patriotism Means Doing Something for One's Country

Bratislava, 13 July (TASR) – Patriotism means doing something for one’s country, said President Peter Pellegrini in response to SNS leader Andrej Danko, who called on the President to end his ongoing military training and return to the Presidential Palace. Pellegrini countered the criticism by suggesting Danko should take part in such a training course himself. "Not just me, but everyone here with me has chosen to show our commitment to our country by joining the reserves of the Slovak Armed Forces," the President said. According to Pellegrini, the goal of the training is not to prepare for war but to be ready to help citizens in times of need. "It is about strengthening our defense forces, which assist people in all kinds of situations," he noted. He advised Danko, a military captain, to register for the next available course, saying "it’s worth it." On Saturday (12 July), Danko publicly urged the President to abandon the National Defense Forces training and return to his presidential duties instead. He argued that Slovakia needs its head of state elsewhere — particularly to help oppose the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia. In a social media video, Danko stated: "Return to the Presidential Palace — that’s what people elected you for. Do your job and stop the clowning." He called the two-week training and the President's calm demeanor during it "very shallow." mf