Election26: Lassakova Will Be Smer-SD's Candidate for Presov Governor

Presov, 28 July (TASR) - MEP Judita Lassakova will be the Smer-SD party's candidate for the post of Presov self-governing region chair, party leader and Premier Robert Fico told a press conference in Presov on Tuesday. "She's one of the most active MEPs of all and can therefore bring benefits to Presov region from the European Union perspective. Presov region is one of the youngest in demographic terms; there remains an issue with the Roma community, and I wouldn't underestimate the health-care sector either, as this is a region where significant developments are taking place - the construction of a military hospital will be completed next year, and cooperation between the Defence Ministry and the self-governing region will be crucial. "This region is also close to Ukraine, which is why a policy of peace must continue to prevail here at the regional level," said Fico, adding that he expects Lassakova to run an active campaign and anticipates a tough contest for the post of regional chair. Lassakova confirmed that she's even changed her permanent residence for the sake of her candidacy. "It's simply a fact in local politics that you are closest to the public, you can address their problems on a day-to-day basis and, above all - and this is something I've learnt from my experience in the European Parliament - there's no strictly defined majority when it comes to the coalition and the opposition. And the same applies to local politics, whether you're dealing with municipal and town councils or regional councils. I'm looking forward to this work, and I'm particularly looking forward to meeting people. This is nothing new; I've been doing it for a very long time, I find it very fulfilling, and I'll endeavour to link these two spheres of politics from the European Parliament in a way that benefits the inhabitants of Presov region," she said. The premier expects a high turnout in the autumn elections. "For the first time, elections to municipal and town councils and regional authorities will be held jointly. To a certain extent, this is a key factor in terms of voter turnout, which will be significantly higher. It can be assumed that the local elections will also act as a driving force for the regional elections," he stated. Fico expects independent candidates, who predominate at local and regional level, to be particularly successful. am/df