Schmögnerová - Possible Candidate for Direct Presidential Elections

BANSKA BYSTRICA (SITA) - In Slovakia, there are at least 10 politicians who would "easily conquer Slovak Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar," in direct presidential elections, Party of the Democratic Left`s (SDL) Róbert Fico aired in Banska Bystrica on Thursday. Fico said the SDL has at least three such personalities, with Brigitta Schmögnerová among them, whom Fico would welcome in this post because women should play a more decisive role in Slovak politics, he claimed. He explained that there is a great difference in viewing the presidential candidates in Parliament and in the society by direct elections. He said Juraj Hrasko and Ladislav Ballek possess qualities to become president, but they probably would do better in the parliamentary elections than in direct presidential elections where the issue of direct popularity increases. Fico also emphasized that the SDL proposal to announce a referendum on direct presidential elections by the Parliament should speed up the process and not damage the Slovak Democratic Coalition`s interest. Fico also suggests that the Party of Civil Understanding (SOP) should be more "readable" commenting more on political happenings so the possibilities of cooperation will be clearer. He also claimed it is impossible to criticize something that in fact does not exist; however, he assumes that an "open a constructive co- operation with the SOP is possible."