Election26: Fico Backs Simko as Candidate for Kosice Region Governor

Cana, 29 August (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) expressed his full support for Igor Simko, who is running for the post of Kosice region governor, and presented candidates for regional councillors during his visit to the village of Cana near Kosice on Saturday. "It is interesting and, at the same time, encouraging to see that eight political parties support the candidacy of Mr Simko for the post of chairman of Kosice Self-governing Region. In fact, he's united the left-wing and the national blocs," said Fico. He highlighted Simko's experience as a member of several parliamentary committees, which gives him access to a wealth of useful information. Fico also presented candidates for Kosice region councillors, including Cana mayor Michal Recka and Smer-SD MP Andrej Sitkar. Simko recalled that he's signed an agreement with people in every district of Kosice region, with one of its goals being the removal of regional disparities. In addition to Simko, incumbent regional governor Rastislav Trnka is seeking re-election as an independent candidate, while other candidates include Marian Porvaznik, who is backed by a coalition of opposition parties Progressive Slovakia (PS), the 'Slovakia' party, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democrats (KDH), Democrats, 'For the People', the Civic Conservative Party (OKS) and DS-ODS; Tibor Geci (Slavic Unity); businessman Dzemal Kodrazi (Independent); and Monika Sofiya Sorocinova (Independent). The coalition of parties backing Simko includes Smer-SD, Voice-SD, the far-right extra-parliamentary Republic party, 'Right to Truth', the Slovak National Party (SNS), the Countryside Party, the Mayors and Independent Candidates, and Brothers of Slovakia. According to Kosice Self-governing Region, the final list of candidates will be announced only after the Kosice Electoral Commission's registration process has been completed. The combined local and regional elections will be held on Saturday, 24 October 2026. jrg/df