Chudik to Seek Fifth Term as Presov Region Governor
Presov, June 9 (TASR) – Presov region governor and Smer-SD party MP Peter Chudik will run for a fifth term at the helm of the regional administration, TASR learnt from Prime Minister and Smer leader Robert Fico on Friday.
Chudik, 56, has held the post ever since the arrangement involving eight regions was introduced in 2001. He’s received unanimous support from Smer’s regional council for his latest bid.
“I’m greatly honoured to support, both as prime minister and Smer chairman, the re-election bid of incumbent Presov region governor Peter Chudik. I want to recognise the work that the Presov regional administration has done in this region, where regional disparities are more obvious than in other regions,” said Fico.
“I believe that there’s no need to introduce our candidate after he’s managed PSK in his calm way for 16 years,” said the prime minister.
Chudik highlighted the fact that public backing for his candidacy has been on the rise with each election. Most recently, with more than 53 percent of the votes in 2013, he received enough support to be elected in the first round. This, he said, has worked as motivation to seek re-election this year.
In addition, PSK has been assessed as the region with the best financial management, he said. The regional administration has successfully worked on projects with municipalities and has built or renovated many playgrounds and sports facilities, he added. Over the past four terms PSK has also renovated a number of roads under its administration.
This year alone, the regional administration is set to spend €90 million on a range of investments, he said.
“My vision is to take it up a notch and find the wherewithal to fund more activities than only those prescribed by law,” said Chudik, who also said that his campaign is envisaged to swallow €150,000 and that he himself will chip in with up to €15,000.
Two more candidates have already signalled their bids for the Presov region governorship – Frantisek Olha nominated by the extra-parliamentary Sanca (Chance) party and current mayor of the region’s town of Levoca Milan Majersky (Christian Democrats/KDH), who is yet to be approved by the party’s council.
