Danko, Sutaj Estok and Pellegrini Congratulate Smer-SD on 25th Anniversary

Bratislava, November 17 (TASR) - On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Smer-SD party, Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko, Voice-SD chair Matus Sutaj Estok and President Peter Pellegrini offered their congratulations. Danko called Smer-SD the most successful political party in Slovakia, and, in his view, both Smer-SD and SNS are healthy parties that support dialogue among great powers. He stated that his relationship with Fico (Smer-SD) had evolved from rivalry to mutual respect, admiration and friendship. "For me, Robert Fico and the Smer party are like an older brother, and I am incredibly proud of that," he said during a speech he delivered at the Smer-SD ceremonial congress on Sunday. Matus Sutaj Estok remarked that over its 25-year history, Smer-SD has demonstrated maturity, wisdom, and strength. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the parties and pride that social democracy in Slovakia continues through both Smer-SD and Voice-SD. He stated that Slovakia can only succeed with responsible politics and by listening to voters. Sutaj Estok wished Smer-SD continued strength, adding that he believes that Voice-SD is a responsible governing partner. In his video message, President Pellegrini also described Smer-SD as the most successful political party in Slovakia, having formed a part of the government for several times, implying it carries great political responsibility. He noted that he had been part of Smer-SD for many years and would always be part of its political journey. Pellegrini again thanked the party for its support in the presidential election and stressed his desire to be the president of all people, regardless of political views, while reaffirming that he would never stop being a social democrat. Former Czech president Milos Zeman advised Smer-SD to consider merging with Voice-SD, calling it "abnormal" for two social-democratic parties to exist in one country. "As far as I know, such an example in Europe exists only in Portugal," he told in his video message to congress participants. tl/ko