Elections26: Belousovova Withdraws from Zilina Region Governor Race

Zilina, 16 October (TASR) - Anna Belousovova, a candidate of the far-right Republic party, has withdrawn from the race for the post of Zilina region governor, party vice-chair and spokesman Ondrej Durica has informed TASR. Belousovova explained her withdrawal by stating that people in the region expect a change in the Zilina governor post, and she doesn't want to be the one to cause a split in the vote. "I've always believed that judgment and a broader perspective - rather than ego - should guide decision-making in politics. Only a new political culture can change Slovakia for the better. Based on my political experience, I decided to take this step as I don't want to jeopardise the future of Zilina region," she said. At the same time, Belousovova feels a responsibility to ensure that neither the region nor Slovakia as a whole is governed by parties and individuals who, in her view, contribute to sowing division within Slovak society. She noted that she is running for the post of the Zilina regional councillor in the upcoming elections. Zilina governor candidate Igor Choma (Smer-SD, Voice-SD and the DOMOV National Party) described Belousovova's decision to withdraw her candidacy as a sign of her strong political maturity and genuine patriotism. "I deeply appreciate this gesture and view it as a huge commitment, as we are only stronger when we stand together," Choma said in a video posted on social media. The combined local and regional elections will be held on Saturday, 24 October. ko