The President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, today dismissed Dusan Keketi from his post as Minister of Tourism and Sport. On the proposal of Prime Minister Robert Fico, he appointed Rudolf Huliak in his place. As he recalled in his speech, Huliak comes to the post of minister after long negotiations and on the basis of a political agreement of the ruling coalition. Keketi is expected to become deputy governor of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS).
"You are not becoming a minister because you have worked in the field of sport or tourism for a long time. But that doesn't mean you can't be a good minister. If you surround yourself with experts in this field and apply sufficient managerial skills, your tenure can be beneficial to the new ministry," Pellegrini said. He noted that Fico, the prime minister and chairman of the Smer-Social Democracy party, had also assumed political responsibility for his future performance.
The President of the Slovak Republic expressed his conviction that the political party under the leadership of Huliak would not pursue any goals that would contradict Slovakia's foreign policy orientation and its strategic interest in membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. He confirmed that Huliak had personally assured him of his support for Slovakia's national interests, which, in the President's words, is particularly important in these turbulent geopolitical times.
He wished the new Minister every success. He thanked the dismissed Keketi for the work he had done and mentioned that he was not leaving his post because he was not able to lead the new Ministry of Tourism and Sport, but because this ministry had become the subject of political agreements in the ruling coalition. "I also wish the entire governing coalition to return to active work for the people as soon as possible after resolving personnel issues and to devote maximum energy to fulfilling its programme declaration." the President added.
From Minister to Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia
The proposal by Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer-SD) was approved by the government on Wednesday. The National Council of the Slovak Republic and Slovak President Pellegrini still have to agree to it.
According to the law, the NBS Bank Board has six members, namely the Governor, two Deputy Governors and three other members. The two deputy governors' posts have not been filled for a long time. Ludovít Ódor was the last one until May 2023, when he became chairman.
"As it is necessary to ensure the smooth performance of all the functions and tasks of the National Bank of Slovakia arising from the NBS Act, it is necessary to complete the incomplete number of members of the Board," the Finance Minister explained the proposal, adding that Keketi meets all the criteria and conditions for successful performance as Deputy Governor of the central bank.
Keketi has held several management positions in the past. In the private sphere, for example at Škoda Auto Slovensko or UniCredit Leasing. Before joining the Ministry, he worked for the state, for example as director of Eximbanka or Bratislava's M.R. Štefánik Airport.
president.sk/ now.sk/ gnews.cz - RoZ
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