President Zuzana Caputova received civil society representatives on Monday in the Presidential Palace as part of her New Year receptions. Representatives of more than 50 non-governmental organisations took part in the meeting with the head of state. The president thanked them for defending the public interest, for helping defend democracy, as well as for helping people who find themselves in need. In connection with the 30th anniversary of Slovakia's independence, Caputova pointed out that the role of civil society in the last 30 years has been crucial. She praised its fight for the rule of law as well as the fight for justice. She believes that in 2023 we will feel the importance of civil organisations at every key event. Caputova is saddened by the fact that civil society has been facing attacks for a long time, even from the highest political positions. "Attacks that question your competence, motivation, activity, without any factual and substantiated arguments," she pointed out in her speech. The President considers an unjustified attack on civil society to be an attack on one of the important pillars of democracy.
Source: TASR
