Gov't Greenlights Nomination of Lorinc for Post of Chief-of-General-Staff

Bratislava, 22 April (TASR) - Miroslav Lorinc, currently the deputy-chief-of-general-staff of the Slovak armed forces, is set to become the new chief-of-general-staff, as the government at its session on Wednesday approved his nomination for the post and the proposal for his appointment. "We've opted for continuity," said Vice-premier and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD), explaining the cabinet's proposal and approach. He highlighted Lorinc's experience and expertise. "As first deputy chief of the General Staff, he'll be a natural transition to new visions," he stated. Kalinak also praised Lorinc's professional expertise in the field of air defence. "I believe that his expert experience will significantly help Slovakia to complete effectively the most essential element that countries need to defend themselves today - effective air defence," he emphasised. The minister intends to present the nomination proposal to President Peter Pellegrini immediately after the meeting. Outgoing Chief-of-General-Staff General Daniel Zmeko has held the post since 2018 and has already served two four-year terms. According to the Armed Forces Act, he's therefore ineligible to seek another term. The chief-of-general-staff is nominated by the defence minister, his nomination is approved by the government, and he is ultimately appointed to the post by the president. am/df