On Wednesday (May 28), Slovak President Peter Pellegrini addressed Parliament with a speech on the state of the republic, receiving mixed responses across the political spectrum. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec (Hlas-SD) praised the speech for naming current issues, while Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas-SD) highlighted its focus on foreign policy and national vision.
Opposition leader Michal Šimečka (Progressive Slovakia) commended Pellegrini for acknowledging societal frustration and fear, stating, “This is a very critical message to Robert Fico’s government, which solves only its own problems while ignoring those of the people.” He urged the president to act more decisively, especially given his role as honorary chairman of Hlas. Šimečka added that the government is granting itself “pensions, double salaries, and impunity,” while burdening citizens with rising costs and spreading hate.
The SaS party agreed with some criticisms of the government, such as its failure to address food prices, healthcare, and the economy, but found the president’s tone lacking in firmness. SaS also criticized the absence of direct references to corruption, especially concerning the alleged misuse of EU funds for luxury properties. While Pellegrini mentioned a report from the Supreme Audit Office, he failed to address findings from the Value for Money unit regarding overpriced computer purchases by Minister Šutaj Eštok.
Michal Šipoš (Slovensko, Za ľudí, KÚ) and Veronika Remišová pointed out that Pellegrini had been part of the ruling coalition and remains Hlas’s honorary chairman. Remišová emphasized that while Pellegrini used words like “desperation, disappointment, fear, and frustration,” he bears responsibility for the current state by tolerating hate-based politics and undermining Slovakia’s strategic interests. “In crucial moments, he is nowhere to be heard and has abandoned defending all citizens,” she stated.
Remišová also called attention to Pellegrini’s appeal for parliament to reject a compensation law for those who broke pandemic rules, labeling it an example of the coalition’s absurd governance. However, she acknowledged his praise of the West as a rare strong point in the speech, urging him to consistently emphasize it in key moments.
The Christian Union expressed disappointment that Pellegrini did not address the importance of families or Slovakia’s demographic crisis. “A society without functioning families has no chance to progress or develop. It is regrettable that the president and the government have erased families with children from their agenda,” said party spokesperson Katarína Poláčková.
Source: STVR
