Madaric: I Regret I Learnt about My Successor only from Kiska
Bratislava, March 5 (TASR) – I regret that I learnt about my temporary successor Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD) only from President Andrej Kiska and not from my mother party, outgoing Culture Minister Marek Madaric (Smer-SD) told journalists after handing his resignation letter to the head of state on Monday.
“I must say with certain regret that I learnt about the fact that Mr. Pellegrini will be entrusted with the temporary management of the Culture Ministry from the president, not from my party. I hope that they’re communicating with me, but I learnt about this from the president,” he admitted. But he remains in the party, as he’s a big opponent of collective guilt.
Regarding Kiska’s two scenarios for resolving the current political situation following the murders of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova, Madaric said that changes must be made in the Government.
“It’s clear that some changes in the Government must be made. This doesn’t result mainly from the president’s opinion but from the fact that the coalition parties also promote specific changes. Perhaps, if a change had occurred last week, the situation would be calmer,” he said in reference to the non-resignation of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD).
In connection with a snap election, Madaric said that it’s too early to talk about this. “You need 90 votes for this. On the other hand, if the coalition doesn’t respond appropriately in the next few days, the technical side of an early election may be irrelevant because the situation in society can force early elections. It’s very important how the coalition behaves now,” he stated.
On the other hand, Madaric thinks that the Opposition is very eager for an early election but not so ready for one. Therefore, he favours calming the situation down and having the Government operate in a shape that would enjoy the trust of the public.
Kiska thanked Madaric for his work in the ministry and praised his political gesture. “I think that many others could be inspired by him,” he pointed out.
Madaric stated last week that the double murder didn’t allow him to continue in the post of culture minister. He said that it was his personal decision, partly considering the fact that his ministry is the Government body that is closest to the media. “Following the journalist’s murder, whether it turns out that he was murdered because of his work or not, I can’t imagine continuing in the post of head of this ministry,” said Madaric, adding that he’d return to Parliament as an ordinary Smer-SD MP.
