Election26: Smer-SD Considering Backing 'Republic' Candidate in Nitra Mayor Race

Velke Zaluzie/Bratislava, 25 March (TASR) – Parliamentary vice-chair for Smer-SD Tibor Gaspar said on Wednesday that if an agreement is reached with the extra-parliamentary far-right 'Republic' party, which has nominated Zuzana Uhrikova for the post of mayor of Nitra, he could imagine supporting her. Agriculture Minister and Smer-SD vice-chair Richard Takac added that the party is interested in fielding its own candidate for Nitra mayor. Presidium member of Voice-SD and Health Minister Kamil Sasko declined to comment on support for Uhrikova's candidacy, saying that it will be a joint decision of the party leadership. Gaspar stressed that parties often unite behind a single candidate. "I notice that right-wing candidates or opposition candidates are able to come together and always support one candidate, whether for regional head or mayor of regional cities. So, if an agreement is reached with 'Republic', I can imagine supporting such a candidate as well," he said in response to a question about backing Uhrikova. Takac told journalists that within Smer-SD, decisions are largely left to district and regional structures. "It will be up to them what political agreements are made," he said, adding that there is interest in fielding a Smer-SD candidate in Nitra. However, he doesn't know the current state of negotiations. "Potentially, some of our own candidates have also been considered. I'll leave it to the regional and district structures. But of course, the primary goal is to support a strong candidate, ideally our own," he added. Sasko refused to comment on whether he would support Uhrikova. "It will be a joint decision of the presidium; I think you all know my views very well," he told reporters, adding that he has no reason to comment on other parties. "We need candidates from Voice to be successful," he underlined. Uhrikova announced her candidacy for mayor of Nitra in early March, running with the support of 'Republic'. She said that she aims to secure broader political backing to prevent unnecessary fragmentation of votes. Joint elections to municipal authorities and regional self-government bodies will take place on 24 October. mf/df