Peter Pollák leads joint EP candidate list of the SLOVAKIA and For the People movements, ex-PM Matovič says they have Romani people's back

The main slogan to be used by the coalition during the campaign is “Honestly for you, in Slovakia and in Brussels.” Former Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovič said of the SLOVAKIA movement that “We simply have Romani people’s back” and pointed out that Pollák is already representing Roma at the EP.

Matovič described Pollák as somebody representing the fight against extremism, fascism and racism who is best placed to be at the EP at a time when extremists are endeavoring to subvert Europe. Speaking last week at the press conference where the movement presented its candidate list, Pollák stressed that the European Union is a home where people want to live, study and work despite its imperfections.

According to Pollák, Slovakia is stronger as part of the EU and better prepared to face challenges than it would be if it were on its own. He highlighted the need for faster decision-making, stronger aid and more courageous investments and innovations within the EU.

Pollák pointed out the importance of combating extremism and disinformation and warned of groups and politicians who endanger democracy and the integrity of both the entire EU and Slovakia. “I am convinced that the candidate list of our coalition represents a strong offering for anti-corruption, pro-EU voters,” Pollák said, stressing that it is important to retain Member States’ veto rights, which he considers a basic building block of their sovereignty, adding that each Member State should conserve its culture and traditions.

In the context of current challenges such as climate change, pandemics and Russia’s war on Ukraine, Pollák said he sees EU unity as crucial to facing these threats. “A very important subject at the EP during this next electoral period will naturally be the fight against extremism and disinformation. It’s necessary to constantly remind ourselves that the corrupt politicians, the mafiosi, the purveyors of disinformation, the liers, the fascists and the extremists will not bring about any cleansing or renewal, not at home in Slovakia and not in Brussels, in the European Union. There is a lot at stake for us Europeans today, there are many who are against Europe, but we have to show that there are many more of us who are for a democratic Europe,” Pollák said at the press conference.

Second place on the coalition’s joint candidate list is held by former Slovak Interior Minister Roman Mikulec, while third place is held by the chair of the movement’s club in the National Assembly, Slovak MP Michal Šipoš. The fifteenth and final place on the list is occupied by the chair of the movement, former Slovak Prime Minister Matovič.

Fourteenth place is held by another famous face, the chair of the NOVA (NEW) movement, Gábor Grendel. Those ahead of him, in ascending order, are the Slovak MPs Ľubomír Galko and Július Jakab; the former MP Anna Andrejuvová; the psychologist and assistant to Slovak MP Marek Krajčí, Mária Benová; and the spokesperson for the movement, Matúš Bystriansky.

Slovak MP Milan Vetrák is running in sixth place. Matovič left the announcement of his own candidacy to the last possible moment.

“As they say, save the best for last, but since I’ve already presented the best candidates, then the very best will be presented today,” Matovič said when opening the press conference. It’s no news that the former PM prefers running in last place, as he already did so during elections to the National Assembly, where he ran in 150th place.