The Party of European Socialists, the PES, in Brussels has suspended the membership of Slovak parties Smer and Hlas, because of a „clear divergence from the values“ of PES. QUOTE: „The opinions of Smer and Hlas on the Russian war against Ukraine, on migration, the rule of law and the LGBTIQ community have raised serious concerns and have no place in the progressive family,“ the party said.
Patricia Medved Macikova, the spokesperson for Hlas voiced surprise:
Hlas is not aware of any deviation on its part from social-democratic values and hopes that the European socialists will reconsider their decision.
Hlas was given the status of associated PES member because it fully respects all PES principles, said the spokesperson. She added that Hlas will continue to devise policies that meet the core values of PES. Hlas says its priorities - to improve the quality of living standards, and preserve Slovakia's EU and NATO memberships- are social-democratic policies, and are the conditions for joining of the post-election coalition.
The PES has already called for expelling the party SMER from its caucus after some of the Slovak MEPs found activities of the party contradicting the values of PES. In 2006, SMER had its membership suspended due to joining the coalition with Slovak National Party. This time,, anti-Ukrainian rhetoric of SMER might cause its definite exclusion.
