The first two years of President Peter Pellegrini’s tenure have been relatively stable, political scientist Darina Malová told TASR. Monday (June 15) marked two years since Pellegrini’s inauguration. According to Malová, the president has focused on cultivating the image of a “third force” in Slovak politics, seeking—at least verbally and symbolically—to ease tensions among political rivals and help calm a deeply polarized society.
She noted that during his presidential campaign, Pellegrini outlined three main ambitions: to serve as president of all citizens, to help unite society, and to maintain Slovakia’s firm anchoring in the European Union and NATO.
Malová also pointed out that, in line with the informal traditions of the Slovak Republic established following the election of the country’s first president, Michal Kováč, Pellegrini stepped down as chairman of the Hlas-SD party upon taking office. However, she added that questions about his political neutrality and partisan affiliations continue to be debated.
President Pellegrini was inaugurated in Bratislava on June 15, 2024, succeeding Zuzana Čaputová.
Source: TASR
