Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD), who
attended the National Pilgrimage of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Nitra on
Thursday, told journalists that the sermon given by Prešov-based Greek Catholic
Archbishop Ján Babjak lacked "positives to encourage the nation and infuse
a bit of optimism". In the sermon, Babjak recalled the double murders of
investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend in February, stressing
that the nation finally wants to hear the truth amid "corruption,
clientelism, the abuse of European funds, fraud and mafia practices". Nevertheless,
according to the prime minister, more optimism was needed in the sermon.
"I feel that we lament too much and talk negatively, while forgetting to
acknowledge what has been done, and to praise our Slovak nation for its
diligence, humility, respectful behaviour and friendliness," said
Pellegrini.
