Parliamentary elections
Parliamentary elections will take place in Slovakia on Saturday March 5th. Recent investigations on crimes of corruption have swept across the life of the Country. The election campaign was lively, marked by a new feature: some areas of civil society have rediscovered a yearning for democratic participation, including many youths
“A new dawn of authentic values”, these words, that describe the months ahead of the national elections in Slovakia, due to be held on March 5, bode well. In particular, they refer to a movement of new political candidates from various areas of society, especially those of Christian inspiration. Many of them are young people. What makes them think they could usher in a new chapter in the life of the political parties and of the institutions of this Country in Central Europe? Indeed, all those involved have a personal past characterized by intense professional and volunteer activities in areas for the defence of human life, dignity, values, the protection of the family, service to marginalized citizens, the struggle for human rights, projects providing practical help to people in need. They are lay Catholics who act – they say – according to their conscience and guided by the Social Doctrine of the Church
Revitalizing political parties from inside. Several national surveys show constant and consistent support – by the elderly in particular – to the ruling party, the Social-Democratic party Smer, which so far represents about 35% of the electorate. But many lawsuits for crimes of corruption, particularly in the health sector, a not always transparent management of public tenders, abuse of power and the inability – according to the opposition – to find solutions to the problems in the education and in the health care systems in recent years, have resulted in several major demonstrations and strikes, with appeals from non-governmental organizations and also by the highest representatives of the Church.
All of these reasons have contributed to renewed participation on the part of many Catholic voters
with a movement of public opinion involving various areas of society, based on the explicit hope that a change may be prompted from within political structures. The only way for this to happen is through the political candidates. Moreover, it should be noted that this renewed interest for politics, also among young Catholics, has not entailed the creation of new political parties but rather it has led the new candidates to join existing parties with the intention of renewing them from within.
The Church is hopeful too. The ambitions and the efforts aimed at transforming political life, “cleansing” it from the phenomenon of corruption and populism, are appreciated also by the Catholic Church. “Political life is a very stimulating environment for a Christian testimony of truth. We need authentic witnesses to Jesus Christ, especially in those areas where the silence of the faith is more conspicuous, and politics is certainly one of those areas”, said Mons. Stanislav Zvolensky, president of the Slovakian bishops’ Conference. Msgr. Zvolensky added that this new wave of Christian political candidates aware that “the primacy of human dignity and of the common good are critical to any political or social strategy, makes it possible that politics may no longer be seen as something dirty but as an effective, democratic tool for the development of the Country.”
Pro-life: to monitor the legislation. Marek Michalčík coordinator of two national pro-life demonstrations, said: “I have agreed to stand as a candidate because in my capacities as pro-life activist for many years I have realized that certain things can be changed only through legislation, and this can occur in two ways: through lobbying activity, which in many cases is insufficient, or by being elected in parliament and taking on the responsibility. I have decided to try the most effective option.”
Priority to education. Veronika Remisova is an activist that in the past years has contributed to the uncovering of various crimes of corruption. She too has decided to run for the March 5 election. “My three-year-old son will probably complete his high-school education in 2030. I hope that by then he will be able to think critically, that he will be aware of his talents and proud of his Country. I also hope he will be a good and honest person.” “That’s why I believe that education is fundamental and I would like to focus my political program on its improvement”, she said. According to several political analysts, although efforts aimed at changing political life with the contribution of new candidates is not something new in the democratic political system, this time things seem to be different. There appears to be the spark of a coordinated strategy, a clear definition of priorities, and there are a large number of people who intend to bring about a change in several parties. Could this be the right time?
