Zuzana Čaputová the new Slovak President. As a political newcomer, she landed a significant victory. In a DW Exclusive Interview she calls her policy plans
Deutsche Welle: Madam President, what is the election victory mean to you personally?
Zuzana Čaputová: He is, above all, a great sign of the confidence of my voters, and I really appreciate it. At the same time I perceive it also as a great challenge and commitment.
The German Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier has invited you to Berlin, the 30. To celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the wall together. Have you answered him yet?
We do not yet have responded to these greetings and invitations. Anyway, I appreciate the invitation to come to Berlin a lot and for sure I would participate very much in mind.
If we are already in their travels: The first will lead you to the Czech Republic. Which countries you want to visit then?
The first trip abroad actually leads traditionally to the Czech Republic and on the other we think. Certainly, we will decide on the associated in Visegrad countries, for example Poland. Possibly France and Germany.
The President of Austria, Mr. Van der Bellen you can also visit?
Sure. I suppose it will come to a close collaboration.
Which means, in your opinion, your choice for President? That is evidence of a fundamental change in society? Or is it due “only” the dissatisfaction with the development after the murder of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová?
Since there is a demand for change. There are challenges that we must face. My choice I feel as a proof that you can win a exchange, properly, peacefully and objectively. And that you can Dodge the populism and personal attacks.
We stay with Kuciak. A Mafia exists in Slovakia? A merger of organised crime with the state power?
There is some evidence on the interdependence of people from the under world, with some representatives of public institutions. The investigations after the murder of Ján and his girlfriend almost every day new revelations. In the meantime, we move on to the level of indirect evidence, but this circumstantial evidence, the investigations, are pretty scary.
A landslide victory for a civil rights activist: Zuzana Caputova in the election campaign
In the corruption Ranking of Transparency International, has deteriorated in Slovakia in recent years. You have a Plan for how to change that?
Yes, I have a Plan, because I have a long-term analytically employing. In some cases, also in cooperation with Ján Kuciak. I think, in the police and the prosecution system are needed changes. My Ambition is to be an active President, the addiction, together with the government to find the best possible solutions, so that the independence of the judiciary from political influences is strengthened.
How do you see the cohabitation with the government of the party Smer of the Ex-Prime Minister Robert Fico?
I am prepared for an objective and constructive cooperation with this party. In the meantime I’m in contact with the Prime Minister, has sent to me in a very constructive tone written congratulations letter, as well as with the Minister of foreign Affairs. I trust that we are able to push personal reservations to the side, to focus on a good cooperation for the Good of Slovakia.
They believe that their success will have an impact on the outcome of the Slovak elections? As far as I understand it correctly, the electoral participation is the biggest Problem.
I would like it very much. It is truly so – from the point of view of the turnout, we were a tail light. I believe that it will be able to change that. I hope that people will come to the elections and let people choose the pro-European Feeling.
Before you entered politics, you were working for civil society. You will now try to strengthen you?
The civil society is exceptionally important for the Functioning of democracy. You must keep numerous negative phenomena, such as z. Bsp. the disinformation. There are even threats against their representatives. I believe that all three sectors are for the qualitative Functioning of the democracy.
You Have Role Models? People, you think?
I would rather speak of sources of inspiration. In some areas, I guess, for example, Václav Havel. But Mahatma Gandhi was an inspiring personality.
The conversation Aureliusz M. Pędziwol led