PS Invites Opposition Parties to Join Rally in Bratislava on 17 November

Bratislava, 28 October (TASR) - Progressive Slovakia (PS) has invited representatives of opposition parties to a rally which is due to be held in Bratislava on 17 November, with civil society to be involved as well, PS leader Michal Simecka told a press conference on Wednesday, adding that the rally aimed at commemorating the values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law will take place on SNP Square at 5:30 p.m. According to Simecka, it will also send a message to the government that its time is up next year. "I've been in contact with virtually all the parties that consider themselves to be in opposition and want political change next year, inviting them to celebrate 17 November together and send a message to the government," said Simecka. He added that PS has invited Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democrats (KDH), the Democrats, 'Slovakia', the Hungarian Alliance, 'We Are Family and Team Sulik', the Conservatives - Christian Union, and 'For the People'. SaS confirmed to TASR that it accepts the invitation, while the extra-parliamentary Democrats also welcomed the idea of opposition parties standing together on one stage on 17 November. KDH likewise confirmed its attendance at the joint rally, as did the extra-parliamentary Hungarian Alliance. "We accept the invitation for 17 November. If we commemorate the anniversary of one of the most important historical events of this country together with representatives of civil society, without petty political fights, we can send a signal to those who want change after 25 September 2027 [expected date of the general election-ed. note] because they are serious about this country," stressed the Hungarian Alliance. In its response to TASR, opposition 'Slovakia' party stated that Simecka had not yet contacted them personally. "On Thursday (29 October), we'll comment on what was said at his press conference today," they said. The extra-parliamentary 'We Are Family' party also confirmed to TASR that it had received the invitation, but added that they would consider it in the near future. In her response, 'For the People' leader Veronika Remisova thanked Simecka for the invitation. "The idea of bringing all the opposition parties together on stage is definitely a good one, and I'll always support it," she said. However, not all parties outside the government could be described as values-based pro-European opposition, she said. According to her, this couldn't be said of parties that smeared honest police officers in the past or those that supported Smer-SD candidates or were in coalitions with the far-right extra-parliamentary Republic party in the local and regional elections. Therefore, Remisova personally urged PS to reconsider its intention. "People who respect the legacy of November and will come to the squares don't want to see an ideological mishmash," she added. jrg