BRATISLAVA, April 9, (WEBNOVINY) – Jozsef Berenyi would like to stay at the helm of the non-parliamentary Hungarian Coalition Party (SMS). Four local organizations suggested for the post the former party boss Pal Csaky, who led SMK at the time of its election defeat last year. At a news conference following the session of the SMK Republican Board, Berenyi could not say whether Csaky would be “a difficult rival” because, as he pointed out, Csaky did not say anything to his potential candidacy. Irrespective of who will assume the top post at the party next week, Berenyi has a clear conscience because he will hand over the party in a better condition than it was in when he took it over on July 10 of last year. “Thus, I cannot lose in this respect,” he told journalists after the meeting held in the Slovak capital.
SMK Republican Board’s Chairman Gyula Bardos said that the party has consolidated after the last year’s election flop. “Particularly the municipal elections’ outcome bolsters optimism,” in his words. At present, SMK has roughly as many members as before the departure of some representatives, led by Bela Bugar. Their number is thus 9,000-10,000.
The meeting dealt with the forthcoming census, too. SMK plans to campaign in southern Slovakia. In addition to erecting billboards, they will organize cultural events. “We want to address Hungarians, so that they are not afraid and claim affiliation to ethnic Hungarians,“ Berenyi added. Statements by several politicians have sparked uncertainty among people and many of them fear losing the Slovak passport if they claim to be Hungarian in the census.
The SMK Congress will decide on the new party leader on April 16. Delegates will also elect the SMK Republican Board’s chairman. Bardos is expected to retain his capacity.
SITA