Monitor: Taraba to Run in Next General Election on SNS Slate

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 28 February) Speaking on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues), Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) confirmed his intention to run in the next general election on the SNS slate, adding that he's aware of the requirement to be a member of the party. "If I am offered membership in SNS, I will definitely accept it," stated Taraba, adding that should his membership be rejected for any reason, he would reflect on his political future. When asked whether a broad national coalition spearheaded by Smer-SD could emerge before the election, Taraba dismissed any knowledge of such a plan, stressing his opposition to mergers "at any cost. "If such a merger is logical and based, for example, on a shared identity or personality, it would make sense. However, if the sole purpose is to join forces against a common opponent, I don't think people would be interested," he explained. According to him, Slovakia would face a problem if political discourse boiled down to the creation of rival blocs. "With those that already have their 'anti-Fico' agenda, it wouldn't be good to have a similar 'anti-Simecka' or 'anti-Matovic' agenda on the other side. Slovakia deserves more," underscored Taraba. [Michal Simecka is the chair of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party, while former prime minister Igor Matovic is the leader of the opposition 'Slovakia' party - ed. note]. jrg