Election26: Minister Migal to Run for Presov Governor

Presov, 8 May (TASR) - Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) has told a press conference in Presov that he'll run for the Presov self-governing region chair as an independent candidate, adding that his priorities include work and investment, housing and infrastructure. According to Migal, Presov region must not be a place that people leave or where the population declines. "What I've learned over the past year in my professional career is that a good regional governor can get many things up and running - by preparing projects and creating the conditions for doctors, social services and young families. Likewise, governors can also attract investment including the money that goes with it. They can help mayors, link up schools with employers and repair roads and bridges, and they're also able to negotiate with the state," said Migal. He believes that people could return to the Presov region if they find the three basics there: work, housing and infrastructure. "Without landing a job, the young won't return. Without housing, a young family won't start a life here. Without roads, trains, buses, schools, doctors and social services, the region will become a place that is good for memories but difficult to live in," added Migal. If elected, he also wants every district to have investment opportunities ready for investors, offering locations, schools, a workforce, roads and the project itself. "I want the region to work systematically with employers, the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), the state, cities and municipalities," said Migal. Milan Majersky (Christian Democrats/KDH) will attempt to defend his post as Presov governor, while MEP Milan Mazurek (Republic) and businessman Marian Geci have also announced their candidacies. jrg/df