Krajci Is Leaving His Caucus and 'Slovakia' to Become Independent MP (2)

Bratislava, 30 September (TASR) - MP Marek Krajci will request the termination of his membership in the 'Slovakia'-For the People-Christian Union parliamentary caucus on Tuesday to become an independent MP, Krajci told a press conference on the same day, adding that he is also leaving the 'Slovakia' party. Krajci made the decision after he and MP Rastislav Kratky ('Slovakia'-For the People-Christian Union) supported the government's amendment to the Slovak Constitution last week. "I want to take responsibility for what I did. Today I will ask to end my membership in the caucus and in the 'Slovakia' party. I do so with a heavy heart," stated Krajci. He admitted that his last-minute decision to support the amendment created significant tension, and apologised to those who were shocked. Krajci stressed that he fully supports the values enshrined in the amendment, recalling that he had always been saying he would vote in favour of such a proposal if it came from the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH). He was willing to wait for KDH's proposal, but following the statements made by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Thursday (25 September), he realized that this was probably the last chance to amend the Constitution in this wording. Krajci explained that he had informed 'Slovakia' leader Igor Matovic of his decision by sending him an SMS shortly before the vote. He insisted that MPs in the caucus vote freely, but he reiterated his share of guilt in that the decision came very late. "I voted freely, according to my own conscience. Nobody influenced me, and I want to dismiss all the rumours that are now spreading," he said. Although leaving the caucus, Krajci intends to continue voting in unity with the 'Slovakia'-For the People-Christian Union caucus. "That's the politics I believe in," he said, hoping he would be able to return when the "wounds are healed". He would like to regain the trust of the people he disappointed. Krajci also announced that despite Matovic's earlier advice, he does not plan to give up his mandate as MP and explained that he was elected by the votes of the people rather than by the party. However, he emphasised that Matovic did not call on him to resign, but that it was only one of the options for drawing political responsibility. Parliament approved the government's amendment to the Constitution with 90 votes last week. In addition to all but two of the KDH's MPs, it was also supported by Krajci, Kratky and Richard Vasecka from the 'Slovakia'-For the People-Christian Union caucus, with Vasecka having previously announced his decision. Matovic described the actions of Kratky and Krajci as a betrayal, blaming them for informing him of their stance only a few minutes before the vote. He told them that, if he were them, he would give up his mandate as MP. jrg/mcs