Groehling: Referendum Very Expensive Public Opinion Poll

(JOJ 24,'Politika 24', 7 June) The referendum, initiated by the extra-parliamentary Democrats party is an expensive opinion poll, opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) leader Branislav Groehling said on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday. "I will be restrained, since I think that the referendum is a very expensive public opinion poll," stated Groehling. According to him, the referendum would cost the state more than a potential life-time annuity for Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD), which is one of the referendum questions. The SaS leader plans to take part in the referendum, but won't join the referendum campaign. SaS wants to run in next year's general election independently, with a clear and legible offer for people. Groegling didn't want to talk about potential alliances or mergers for now. In the autumn, the party intends to present a comprehensive 'restart for Slovakia' programme that should include specific measures, proposals and figures. The party aims to address undecided and wavering voters as well. It plans to launch an 'anti-price hike radar' soon, which should point to areas where 'public money is wasted' and where savings could be made. Groehling described the atmosphere in the party after the expulsion of Jana Bitto Ciganikova as "much more work-focused, calmer and more settled". He said that cooperation with Lucia Duris Nicholsonova will continue, but he is currently not considering whether she will appear on the party's slate. The party also aims to address ethnic Hungarian voters. Groehling views the Hungarian Forum as a partner, with whom the party has already been cooperating. He can also imagine former Police Corps president Stefan Hamran on the party's slate. Contrarily, Groehling is critical of the Hungarian Alliance party. If he had to choose, he would prefer ['Slovakia' party leader Igor] Matovic to Laszlo Gubik of the Hungarian Alliance, although he doesn't consider Matovic a 'dream partner'. He sees no reason to meet Gubik. If President Peter Pellegrini appoints Peter Kmec and Miroslav Radacovsky as ambassadors, it would be a "diplomatic disgrace for the president", stated Groehling. ko