Krajci: I Plan to Stay in 'Slovakia', But I Wanted to Help KDH

Bratislava, 26 September (TASR) – Opposition MPs Marek Krajci and Rastislav Kratky from the 'Slovakia'-For the People- Christian Union caucus told TASR on Friday that by voting in favour of the government-sponsored amendment to the Slovak Constitution they aimed to support their Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) colleagues in their political efforts. According to Krajci, if KDH had voted in favour but the proposal had still failed, Smer-SD would have politically "gutted" the Christian Democrats. Both MPs intend to remain in the caucus of 'Slovakia', For the People and Christian Union. They stated that their decision changed after Thursday's (25 September) announcement by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), who declared that it was the last chance to amend the Constitution on this issue. "I wanted to extend a hand to our colleagues in KDH and truly support them in the politics that they pursue, also from the position of our party and caucus. I believe cooperation is very important, and you know very well that we want to work together — KDH is closest to us in this regard," Krajci told journalists. He noted there was tension within KDH and concerns that if the amendment failed, Smer-SD would draw away its voters. "KDH would have paid a high price for aligning with them [Smer-SD] and yet still failing to deliver on something that is deeply important to them," he added. Krajci admitted that their decision might appear to be a betrayal, but he emphasised that the MPs in their caucus have freedom in voting. "I felt differently about this as recently as yesterday. After Robert Fico’s press conference, however, everything changed," he said, adding that the two MPs informed their party just before the vote. Both agreed on the strategy that the conservative agenda cannot not be left for Fico to exploit, but should be brought forward by KDH as its standard-bearer. "But after yesterday, I realised that this window of opportunity was closing. There really won't be another chance to push through six important matters," Kratky told reporters, explaining his change of heart. "After nine years of seeing conservative policies and values blocked by just one or two votes, I decided to seize this opportunity and prevent conservatives from being disappointed again," said Kratky, adding that he also represents the younger generation of conservatives. mf/df