NGOs disappointed with Tomanova

NGOs were neither surprised nor happy about the election of former Smer-SD labour minister (2006-10) Viera Tomanova as the country's first ever commissioner for children. Tomanova, 67, was elected by the Smer-dominated Parliament on Wednesday for a term of six years. "We view the election of Viera Tomanova as going against the original idea of commissioner for children … who should have come from civic society and be a pure expert - and not a political figure", stated Ivan Leitman, managing director of an NGO called 'Open Arms-Help to Children in Crisis'. 'Coalition for Children Slovakia' welcomed the setting up of the office, but also bemoaned that a political figure was appointed at its helm. "The election hasn't fulfilled the potential provided under modern law, which has been drawn up with our active participation. We'll keep a close eye on how this office will develop and operate, hoping that it will become a modern institution for protection of children in Slovakia", said Coalition for Children Slovakia president Dana Rusinová.