KDH Backs Longer Local Terms But Rejects Voice-SD Plan Without Consensus

Bratislava, 30 March (TASR) – The opposition's Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) broadly supports extending terms for local authorities from four to five years, but will not back the coalition proposal without broad societal and cross-party consensus, the party said in a statement to TASR on Monday. "KDH generally supports the idea of extending terms for local authorities from four to five years, but support must be contingent on overall societal agreement and wider consensus across the political spectrum. Without these conditions being met, we will not support the proposal submitted by Voice-SD," KDH's press department said. The Christian Democrats added they consider it more important to first resolve decentralisation, including the division of powers and funding from the government, and to transfer a larger share of EU funds to local authorities. "Only then can territorial division and changes to the electoral system be addressed," they said. mf