Dzurinda Becomes SDK Leader

BRATISLAVA (SITA) - Former spokesman for the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK) Mikuláš Dzurinda, is now the new leader of the SDK as of Wednesday after the member parties` council decided on him. At a press conference, Dzurinda confirmed that there is no change in the coalition agreement on assigning a prime minister. After the elections, SDK deputies will elect him. The SDK parties` 5 leaders also decided on a change in decision-making within the coalition council. Apart from the previous consensual principle, when each member had a veto-right, the majority will decide within the SDK. The weight of the questions will decide whether a qualified or simple majority is necessary. The ratio of included parties in the council will be as follows: Christian-Democratic Movement 5, Democratic Union 4, Democratic Party 1, Social-Democratic Party 1, Green Party 1. In case of indecisiveness, Dzurinda`s vote will decide. Changes to the coalition agreement will have to go through the republican boards of member parties, which has to meet on April 25. Dzurinda suggested that the transformation of the coalition into one party should stretch through April and May.