Groehling: SaS's Ambition Is to Run in General Election Independently

(JOJ 24,'Politika 24', 8 February) Speaking on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday, opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) leader Branislav Groehling said that his party's ambition is to run in the general election independently, with top spots on the party's slate being filled by prominent figures, but at the same time party members. "The ambition is for SaS to run in the election independently, and I believe in a double-digit result," stated Groehling. He said he would like to have people on the slate whom he knows and who are aligned in terms of values, particularly on economic and foreign policy issues. He also confirmed holding negotiations on cooperation with some smaller parties and individual MPs. He stands firmly by the decision that [former party leader Richard] Sulik won't be on the SaS's slate, seeing no scenario under which he could reconsider it. Groehling isn't concerned about a loss of voters should Sulik switch to the 'We Are Family' party. Groehling declined to comment on his criticism by MP Jana Bitto Ciganikova regarding Sulik. He said that he feels support within the party, pointing to its growth. He could envisage Alojz Hlina in the post of the agriculture minister, but only if he were a party member. He ruled out cooperation with Lubomir Galko. SaS intends to present its programme in the near future. The main aim is to foster economic growth of the country. Groehling spoke about a flat-rate tax, lower tax and levy burden, the Estonian taxation model, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. He believes that the state doesn't need so many ministries. Transport is also an important issue for SaS, said Groehling, announcing that 'a prominent figure from Zemplin area' will be presented on Monday (9 February). Groehling stated that the issue of electing a new prosecutor-general (PG) before the general election shouldn't be raised, adding that Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) should "keep his hands off it". He also views it as an attempt to intimidate current PG Maros Zilinka, who pointed out that "the country is being looted and riddled with corruption". He criticised the postponement of the PG's report, adding that he could envisage a special House session on the issue. Groehling won't initiate further dismissals of the government or ministers; the party will continue its opposition policy. The ban on social media for children under 16 should be left to the parents. He cannot imagine anyone from the party or his close colleagues appearing in the Epstein documents. ko