Election24: Several Candidates Don't Oppose New Presidential Powers

Bratislava, March 20 (TASR) - Several presidential candidates in a presidential election debate on public-service RTVS on Wednesday evening said that they would like to see the presidential powers supplemented by the possibility of proposing laws, or they are in favour of defining them more precisely. Other candidates for the post stress that the powers are sufficient and the person in the presidential office is essential. Presidential candidate Robert Svec later in the show announced his withdrawal from the race in favour of Stefan Harabin. Milan Nahlik described the powers of the president as balanced. Jan Kubis considers them to be strong, but pointed out that presidential powers and their exercise depend on the person in the presidential office. Krisztian Forro would welcome the possibility to submit laws, given the strong mandate of the president. Stefan Harabin believes that the powers are absolutely sufficient. Patrik Dubovsky would like them to be more specific, he would also advocate a legislative initiative by the head of state, and he would also strengthen the powers to file motions with the Constitutional Court. Marian Kotleba thinks it should be more difficult to override a presidential veto. Ivan Korcok considers the powers defined in the Constitution to be balanced. Peter Pellegrini described them as sufficient, but he isn't opposed to considering the possibility of proposing bills. He declared that he would never grant pardons for economic crimes. Matovic thinks that it should be resolved whether or not the president has to appoint government nominees, he would take away the president's power to grant pardons, he could imagine that the president could submit laws. According to Korcok, Slovakia needs a president who won't be an extended arm of the government and who will be able to speak up if necessary. Dubovsky would focus on security, social affairs and foreign cooperation. As president, Harabin would demand respect for the law in the European Union, criticising, for example, sanctions against Russia and migration policy. Kubis stressed the need for a strong innovative economy. Forro thinks that the president should look for overlaps, he also pointed to regional differences. Pellegrini would like, for example, to resume meetings of the three most senior constitutional officials, but also to support the government in eliminating regional differences. Nahlik would like to take Slovakia out of the European Union, prepare it to leave the NATO and make the referendum functional. Kotleba declared his courage to write a letter on withdrawal from the Alliance. Matovic wants to protect the Presidential Palace from the "mafia". Another topic was the draft law on Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS). In the submitted form it wouldn't be signed by Dubovsky, Korcok, Kubis and, given the expected changes, not even by Pellegrini. Forro would like to know the final shape of the bill, Harabin is in favour of a fundamental solution, he'd like to see a state-run television. According to Kotleba, state-run television is something to consider, Matovic rejects it. Dubovsky, Matovic and Nahlik wouldn't appoint Pavel Gaspar as the head of the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS). Gaspar would be appointed by Harabin and, if conditions are met, also by Pellegrini. Korcok considers Gaspar's nomination to be unfounded. Kotleba doesn't consider Gaspar to be the best choice. Kubis would consider the nomination. am