Opposition Criticises Smer-SD's Idea of Electing Prosecutor-General in Advance

Bratislava, 6 February (TASR) - The opposition has criticised statements by senior coalition Smer-SD party representatives about electing the next prosecutor-general in advance, with opposition 'Slovakia' party MP Gabor Grendel describing this as yet more evidence of the coalition's unprecedented arrogance of power, TASR reported on Friday. "[Defence Minister] Robert Kalinak is doing a great job in pushing the boundaries of the governing coalition's arrogance of power further and further every day," said Grendel, adding that this would grossly interfere with the rule of law and constitute an attempt to secure power even after possibly losing the general election. Grendel warned that such conduct wouldn't be left without a response, while in such cases the opposition is ready to apply the same methods. "Even by holding overnight parliamentary sessions, restricting the debate and cutting it short altogether. So, go ahead, feel free," he remarked. Opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party chair Branislav Groehling is also disturbed by the coalition's idea. "In our opinion, this election should be taking place after the general election, not before. If [Prime Minister and Smer-SD chair] Fico wants to elect a new prosecutor-general, he should first win the general election," Groehling told a press conference on Friday, calling the coalition's idea significant interference in the legal system. SaS pointed out that a seat for a Constitutional Court judge has remained vacant for two years and that central bank (NBS) governor Peter Kazimir is "overstaying" in his post, but the coalition doesn't seem to be bothered by this. Groehling asked why it's interested in the post of prosecutor-general, expressing his concern that Fico wants to exert his influence, as demonstrated by his recent meeting with incumbent Prosecutor-General Maros Zilinka. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak and House Vice-chair Tibor Gaspar (both Smer-SD) said on Friday that they can envisage the election of a new prosecutor-general (PG) taking place before the next general election due to be held in the autumn of 2027. They believe that a new PG should be elected well in advance. The seven-year tenure of the current PG will expire in December 2027. jrg/df