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Paroubek at Smer Convention: Media All Bark and No Bite
Sunday 06 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 6 (TASR) - The Slovak and Czech media are equally poor in informing the public of current issues, said Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD) Chairman Jiri Paroubek at a ceremonial convention in Bratislava to mark the 10th anniversary of the formation of Slovakia's main governing party Smer-SD.
"During (former Slovak premier Mikulas) Dzurinda's era, our media lauded his reforms, now they denounce Fico as a super-populist second to none - except me," said Paroubek, adding that "the dogs may bark but the caravan keeps on going". According to him, the media can write whatever they want because "people are clever and know who is working in their favour".
Paroubek also stressed Smer's success in the recent Higher Territorial Unit (VUC) elections. "People have appreciated your good and dutiful work, the public support you've garnered is unequivocal. I congratulate you and say bravo."
Austrian Chancellor and Social Democratic Party Chairman Werner Faymann stressed that he came to the ceremony as a neighbour and friend, while congratulating Smer members on a successful ten years. According to him, the important thing is that the voice of Robert Fico will always stand up for social democracy. "Thank you for your determination and efforts to create a strong and social Europe," he told Fico.
A total of 1,767 guests attended the ceremonial convention, including Slovak Federation of Employers' Associations (AZZZ) president Tomas Malatinsky, Union of Slovak Pensioners (JDS) chairman Kamil Vajnorsky, Confederation of Trade Unionist (KOZ) chairman Miroslav Gazdik and Klub 500 chairman Vladimir Sotak.
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