Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Raši says he expects President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico to present a united position at next week's NATO summit in Ankara.
Speaking in the TA3 political debate programme V politike, Raši dismissed concerns raised by opposition MP Ivan Štefunko that the president would attend the summit without a clear government mandate.
Raši said he expected the president and prime minister to "speak with one voice." He also confirmed that a planned meeting of the country's top constitutional officials with the ministers of defence and foreign affairs ahead of the summit has not yet taken place.
Štefunko pointed out that a government document outlining Slovakia's position had twice been withdrawn from the cabinet agenda. He warned that without a formal mandate, the president could express only his personal views, leaving both him and the government open to criticism.
The discussion also covered Saturday's referendum, which attracted only 16.13 percent voter turnout. Štefunko described the result as unsuccessful and criticised opposition parties for failing to encourage participation.
Raši called the outcome a political defeat for the referendum's organisers and supporters, saying they should apologise to voters. He also reiterated that the Hlas party plans to propose a constitutional amendment allowing parliament's term to be shortened through a referendum.
The politicians also discussed emergency medical services and preparations for next year's combined local and regional elections.
Source: TASR
