Peter Pellegrini, the candidate from the ruling coalition, won the second round of the presidential elections in Slovakia, securing 55 percent of the vote.
The opposition candidate, Ivan Korčok, who received the support of 45 percent of the electorate, conceded defeat and congratulated Pellegrini on his victory.
Pellegrini, aged 48, is a long-time ally of Robert Fico and broke away from the current Prime Minister to establish the party Hlas (Voice), which is more liberal and closer to the centre than Fico’s left-wing SMER party.
He formed a government with Fico and the SNS last October.
Under the constitution, Slovak presidents do not have extensive powers but can veto legislation or request that the constitutional court review it. Presidents also nominate members of the constitutional court.
Pellegrini is considered more moderate than Fico and has stated that his election would not lead to a rush in changing foreign policy.
“I am the guarantee that we will continue to be a strong member of the EU and NATO,” declared the new President of Slovakia.
Photo: facebook/pellegrini.peter