Monitor: PM Fico 'Politically Shocked' by President Pellegrini's Veto

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 13 December) Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues) that he isn't angry with President Peter Pellegrini, but he was politically shocked by his decision to veto the law transforming the Whistleblowers Protection Office (UOO) into a new office. Fico believes that, besides the right to veto legislation, the head of state has a duty to respect reality, including the crimes that took place in the past. "I was politically shocked because the president understands what was happening in the years 2020 to 2023, he knows very well what was going on and what this office [UOO] was doing. So there was nothing left for me to do but to acknowledge his right politically. He has that right, no one can take it away from him. As he vetoed the law on Thursday (11 December), we quickly mobilised the governing coalition and by Friday (12 December), the veto has been overridden," said Fico. He also pointed out that Pellegrini's move did not win support among Smer-SD voters. When a president forgets where he comes from and who voted for him, he can never be successful, according to Fico. "The president is probably not interested in Smer-SD's voters and will seek support elsewhere," stated Fico, adding that it's Pellegrini's own choice. Commenting on Pellegrini's objections that Parliament debated the law via a fast-tracked legislative procedure, Fico said that the debate had lasted for two weeks. Fico added that he wants to attend a meeting of the top three constitutional officials which is planned by House Speaker Richard Rasi (Voice-SD). However, it must be arranged in a way that will allow him to attend the summit of EU leaders in Brussels next week. jrg