Democrats Want to Cooperate with Democratic and Pro-european Parties

Kosice, 6 June (TASR) - The extra-parliamentary Democrats party wants to cooperate with democratically and pro-European oriented parties, according to a resolution adopted by the party's Republican Council at its meeting in Kosice on Saturday. The Republican Council tasked the presidium with preparing a strategic framework for negotiations with Progressive Slovakia (PS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), the 'Slovakia' party, and the Hungarian Alliance on forming the strongest possible alternative to the government of Robert Fico (Smer-SD). "It's high time to stop playing with sandpit spades and adopt a winning mentality. We won't defeat Robert Fico through mutual attacks between opposition parties. We will defeat him through cooperation, respect, and a shared goal of restoring decency, justice, and trust in the state in Slovakia," said Democrats leader Jaroslav Nad. The aim of the negotiations is to create the conditions for a responsible, professional and credible alternative to the current government. "We must engage in direct discussions, both professional and political, and prepare for the future, seek coordination and find a way to politically defeat Robert Fico," added Democrats vice-chair Juraj Seliga. The Democrats also declared their readiness to negotiate the formation of a pre-election coalition if it proves necessary to achieve a common goal. They described this goal as replacing the current government and returning Slovakia to the path of democracy, the rule of law and prosperity. "We are finalising 100 specific points that the new government must make during its first 100 days in the office and form the basis for the government manifesto," stated Nad, adding that the programme will be presented at the next Republican Council meeting. "However, the basic principles include a flat-rate tax, the restoration of the Special Prosecutor's Office (USP) and the National Criminal Agency (NAKA), the reform of the prosecutor service, support for young families and housing development, and Slovakia firmly anchored in the European Union and NATO," listed the party chairman. The Republican Council also expressed full support for the party's candidates in the upcoming local and regional elections. The Democrats also called on opposition partners to publicly endorse and support the referendum. ko