MP Smilnak to Resign from Seat on 31 January, Will Be Replaced by Kolejakova

Bratislava, 29 January (TASR) - MP Martin Smilnak (Christian Democrats/KDH) will resign as an MP on 31 January, KDH representatives told a press conference on Thursday, adding that he'll be replaced in Parliament by Monika Kolejakova, who will take up her seat on 1 February. Smilnak announced his resignation at the beginning of January, following his traffic accident in December after which alcohol was detected on his breath. On Thursday, he also gave a speech in the House, apologising for his failure. At the press conference, members of the KDH caucus thanked Smilnak for his work, praising him for accepting personal responsibility. "In KDH, if someone makes a mistake, they bear the consequences and assume responsibility. Smilnak didn't hide, didn't make excuses, and is leaving. This is a gesture of political culture that is unfortunately rare in Slovakia today, but for us it is standard," said MP and KDH leader Milan Majersky. Kolejakova will take her oath of office on Tuesday (3 February). She'll focus in Parliament on health care and social affairs. "I accept this mandate with great humility and a commitment to the public," she commented. am/df