PS and SaS Describe Magyar's Victory as Message and Hope for Slovakia

Bratislava, 13 April (TASR) - Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar's electoral victory transcends Hungary's borders and serves as a strong message and hope even for Slovakia, stated opposition representatives from Progressive Slovakia (PS) and Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) at their parties' press conferences held on Monday, at which they congratulated Magyar and his Tisza party on winning the election. "This is a victory that gives hope not only to Hungary but to the entire region and the European Union. For Slovakia, it's a clear message that change is possible even against politicians who want to cement themselves in power, distort the rule of law, and govern to the benefit of their own people rather than for the citizens. I firmly believe that, after [Hungarian Prime Minister] Viktor Orban, [Slovak Prime Minister] Robert Fico (Smer-SD) will follow suit," stated PS leader Michal Simecka, noting that Fico has lost his strongest ally. PS MP Tomas Valasek said that Magyar's victory marks the end of the destructive partnership between Fico and Orban. "This duo has blackmailed the European Union, blocked aid to Ukraine, and undermined a unified European response at a time of Russian aggression," he stated, adding that "Peter Magyar has made it clear that he wants to return Hungary among the group of countries that pursue their interests with dignity, proudly and in a constructive manner". "Robert Fico is left with only two options: he can either continue to throw spanners in the works and drag Slovakia into isolation, or he can play the tough guy at home while being nothing more than a burst balloon in Brussels, without any respect and influence," said Valasek. SaS leader Branislav Groehling views the election results as a sign from the Hungarian people that their country should belong among pro-European nations supporting Western democracy. SaS MP Maria Kolikova added that Magyar's victory in the election is a victory for democracy and the rule of law, showing that corruption must be brought to an end. "This is an important message for Slovakia, as it means hope that these key values can also win the next elections here," remarked Kolikova. SaS foreign relations expert Ivan Novotny added that Fico's government can either continue as Russia's servant in Brussels or join the European consensus and stop bringing shame and damage on Slovakia. With 98.94 percent of the votes counted, Peter Magyar's Tisza party is set to win 138 of the 199 seats in parliament, thereby gaining a constitutional majority and ending Orban's 16-year grip on power through his Fidesz party. jrg/df