The second round of regional elections which took place in the country’s five self-governing regions on Saturday, November 23rd caused turmoil in Slovakia over the weekend. The region of Banská Bystrica grabbed most of the general attention when right-wing extremist Marián Kotleba, who has a history of racist statements and acts, won the second round run-off.
This is according to the official results confirmed by the Central Election Commission on November 24. Kotleba defeated the candidate of the ruling centre-left SMER-SD incumbent, county chairman Vladimir Maňka, who was also supported by part of the centre-right coalition. In the remaining counties, Pavol Frešo, Milan Belica, Tibor Mikuš and Zdenko Trebuľa have defended their previous electorate victories. The overall election turnout was low; only 17.29 percent according to official results. You will hear more on the second round of regional elections further in the show today.
