Pellegrini inaugurated as the fresh President of Slovakia
Social Democrat and ex-prime minister, Peter Pellegrini, assumed the presidency of Slovakia this past weekend during a formal ceremony at the Philharmonie in Bratislava. The 48-year-old took his oath in the presence of parliamentary deputies. He highlighted his aspiration to gain the approval of those who did not support him in the election. Pellegrini urged the people to unite as a society.
Pellegrini is known to be an ally of the ex-left-nationalist prime minister Robert Fico, who recently sustained serious injuries from an attack and couldn't attend the inauguration in person. Pellegrini clinched his win in the second round of elections held in early April, garnering 53.1% of the votes over the liberal former foreign minister, Ivan Korcok. The incumbent president, Zuzana Caputova, chose not to seek re-election.
The presidency primarily involves representation in Slovakia. The President appoints the head of the government and other ministers, represents the nation of about 5.4 million people overseas, and has the power to veto laws, though this veto can be overturned by parliament. The President also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
With Pellegrini's inauguration, the left-nationalist bloc now holds the top political positions in the country. The opposition doubts that the coalition will now forcefully push through contentious projects, such as a resolution for the public-law Radio and Television Broadcaster RTVS.
Read also:
Fico expressed his congratulations to Pellegrini on becoming the President of Slovakia, despite being unable to attend the inauguration due to his recent injuries. Robert Fico, a close ally of Pellegrini, had previously served as the prime minister of Slovakia. Pellegrini's presidency is expected to strengthen the left-nationalist bloc's influence in Slovakia, potentially influencing decisions regarding contentious projects, such as the resolution for the public-law Radio and Television Broadcaster RTVS.
