At the second anniversary of his inauguration, President Andrej Kiska appeared before members of the National Council to report on the state of the republic. He addressed the issues of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union, corruption and citizens’ lack of trust in the state, as well as the aims the government should set for healthcare and education.

“I stand before you shortly before Slovakia takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We live in a world today where any success, honor or responsibility may be called into question. And where we take many things for granted. I would therefore like to start my address with this topic.

I am convinced that the coming Slovak Presidency of the European Union is and will be an exceptional account of the state of the Slovak Republic in 2016. It is the success of our country, but also an honorable duty and opportunity for Slovakia.

The Presidency is an account of the state of our republic because membership in the European Union gives our republic the most powerful political and economical position it could possibly achieve. Thanks to membership in the Union and, of course, in the Alliance, we can feel relatively safe. Thanks to our membership we managed to overcome historical animosities in Europe, and our Central European region is a stable and safe part of the world.

Hence there is no sensible alternative for our membership in the European Union. And the notions and suggestions that Slovakia would be able to function (even better) outside the European Union, are the opposite of patriotism, and hazardous. I speak about this because, also in Slovakia, there is a growing sentiment in support of political powers that want to achieve the disintegration of the European Union. The disintegration of peace, cooperation, shared freedom and prosperity.

Our Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an exceptional account of the state of our republic also because our membership never was or will be a matter of course. History did not end 20 years ago when Slovakia nearly dropped out of the process of EU enlargement. History neither ended 12 years ago, when, thanks to the sensible decisions taken by our citizens and those chosen by them, the support of neighbours and important Western European countries, we made up for what we had lost and became a member of the European Union.

History doesn’t end today, either, when there is a country tensely awaiting for the results of its referendum, whether to remain in or leave the European Union. I speak about it because to allow similar uncertainty in other countries, especially in our region of Central Europe, would mean to bring back the risks and threats of the past. I speak about it because contributing to the cohesion of the Union with our ability to negotiate good compromises will form part of the responsibilities we take over in a few days’ time.

That is another reason why I consider our Presidency of the Council of the European Union as an exceptional account of the state of the Slovak Republic. I believe that it will confirm Slovakia’s ability to provide this service. That we don't only prove our capacity to negotiate our own interests or join together regionally, but that Slovakia can be an honorable, true and sincere intermediary between countries and their interests, for the benefit of the whole. For the benefit of more than the 500 million citizens of the European Union. The strongest economic power in the world with the greatest social guarantees and services for its citizens. And excellent human and economic preconditions for dealing with every imaginable problem and crisis.

Put your hands on you hearts: could our grandparents ever have imagined something like this? Or not so long ago our parents?

Let us therefore try to respect the fact that the best service Slovakia can provide itself and the European Union during the next sixth months is precisely the position of honorable, true and sincere intermediary. Let us not force Slovakia into an escalated and confrontational approach that could weaken our responsibility.

I have said it often and I want to say it again today. I consider it a mistake that we have forgotten to say anything positive about the European Union in our local politics. That a sense of proportion has been lost during political discussions. That the so-called dictate of Brussels is more an empty political slogan than a reflection of reality. That hardly nobody reminds us that the important decisions are not adopted by Brussels officials but by representatives elected by people to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. That these decisions are the results of democratic voting, compromises and discussions which will be chaired by Slovak representatives during the following 6 months. And the mistakes that are also made in Brussels politics are definitely not made more often than in our domestic politics.

According to the information I have, Slovakia is well-prepared to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in a few days’ time. It is the result of the work done by our professional diplomacy and previous government, which our present government has followed up. I would like to thank everyone for the efforts made so far and to thank our capital city and its inhabitants, for whom the Presidency will bring a certain amount of discomfort.

Allow me to express one wish, which I believe I can express on behalf of most Slovak citizens: let us present ourselves as friendly hosts, prudent presenters of European discussions and committed co-creators of European unity.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

A year ago, at the first similar occasion in my term of office, I promised to establish the tradition of coming to the National Council each year this time in June. This year it is happening quite soon after the parliamentary elections. In which the report on the state of the republic was expressed by those who are most important, the citizens of our republic.

It is not my aim today to supplement their report, neither to controvert it. The new government was formed not so long ago. This is always a beginning that should provide new impetus. It’s too soon to make judgements. I would, however, like to share with you a couple of topics related to our state of affairs, and which concern the report on the state of our republic, written by citizens themselves at the elections. Inasmuch as I see uncertainty in the present situation, together with several significant risks, I also see opportunities.

These risks are obvious.

No political movement achieved predominance during the parliamentary elections, neither did one single program or idea. Instead of this, distrust towards politics and politicians gained significant ground. And maybe anger in different forms. Sometimes also extremes.

I therefore think that our present government should not rely on the fact that there is no real political alternative to it today. Neither should the present democratic opposition rely on the fact that if the government is not successful, they will automatically replace it. Such a simple equation is not valid anymore.

In fact, the situation is not good. Four out of five adults in Slovakia think that our country, the Slovak Republic, is governed by a few oligarchs. Peoples’ confidence in the state has fallen to a new historic minimum. I want to seriously warn you that, if this trend continues, if people are not given a reason to renew their trust in the state and its institutions, it will be difficult, even impossible, to form a government from democratic political parties during the next elections. From any of them.

Whilst we ourselves here at home are mainly to blame for this distrust in the state, the increasing impact of various conspirational theories, questioning scientific facts, smear campaigns on the internet and social networks are not only of domestic origin. And I think that the government and state institutions should start taking this phenomenon seriously, as today it is becoming a question of state security. And not only to take note or analyse, but to take action.

As President I adhere to the principle of not becoming involved in disputes between the government and the opposition, and I have no intention of becoming involved in disputes within the governing coalition, either. Like now, for example, the dispute over license fees. However, I am convinced that regarding this phenomenon, we need a strong, independent and courageous public service media. I therefore appeal to you not to become the subject of a political struggle.

I am therefore making use of this opportunity to ask you to respect and strengthen the independence of public media and urge the public media and its employers not to give in to pressure, to be observant and fulfil their social role. To help inform people.

Nowadays, corruption is once again the hottest topic. The President is expected to calm down the situation on the political scene and within society, but people hardly ever believe any kind of promise anymore when being appeased.

The President is expected not to become involved in political disputes and arguments between political parties or take sides, but corruption is a significant topic and area where political disputes and arguments are continually held. I am speaking about the purity of public life and about the ability of the state to guarantee equality for everyone before the law.

I think that, within the context of the case which is currently the number one political topic, I cannot give the parliament, government or any political party any advice they don’t know already. But I would like to emphasise that if Slovakia is to continue like this, the consequences will be very grave.

There is probably no-one who would believe the story of someone bringing a briefcase with 12 million euros in cash. Despite this, we have not received a sensible answer until today. What do you think, how many citizens think that law enforcement authorities and tax authorities are not subject to any pressure, political or otherwise, and are absolutely independent? And that their work can be relied on?

Imagine that the tax authorities or law enforcement authorities achieve a result in two, three or five years? Any kind of result. Does that increase confidence in the rule of law today, in a months’ time, or in a year?

One can thus not be surprised at people’s questions: is our police force, inspection or prosecution really independent? If so, society expects results. And real, clear explanations for unsolved cases.

We look with envy at surrounding countries like Romania, where, since their last parliamentary elections, more than 1500 people have been indicted, prosecuted and convicted in connection with corruption, including leading politicians; one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country was convicted for bribing judges, and the prosecutors office accused 77 doctors of accepting bribes.

Allegations of corruption and cronyism in top politics are topics that elicit great emotions and political disputes and attract the attention of the media for many years. Unfortunately, the declared political importance of this topic is in stark contrast with what we could mark as satisfactory results. Cases drag on for years until they fizzle out. This contradiction is inexplicable, incomprehensible and unsustainable.

At best, the only result is some kind of assumption of political responsibility, which should, however, not be the end but the start of the search for justice and truth behind the allegations put forward. Assuming political responsibility does not solve any case, but is simply a gesture of decency to appease the public and enable responsible institutions to work.

This is how countries with a normal system of justice and culture of political decency work. But not in Slovakia. Instead, our citizens are confronted with a failed reality show where one can at the most guess if someone will resign or not. And where they should choose which incomplete information and political declarations to believe. We can simply not demand this type of trust and confidence from our Slovak people.

The only outcome is distrust in politics, the state and its ability to secure basic justice and purity in public life. We may not get angry if they no longer listen to a sensible explanation. Even reasonable people and peaceful people have become very angry – and wise politics can understand this and behave in an accordingly wise manner.

I would like to appeal to you, members of parliament, the government and political parties: seek urgently for institutional and political solutions which would finally give people hope, trust and confidence. The hope, trust and confidence that make it practically impossible for politics to interfere with tax and police authorities, and that no violation of the law remains uninvestigated and unpunished.

I must here also express my opinion about the rise of political extremism and neo-Nazism. I consider the present situation more of an opportunity than cause for undue concern. If we make use of this opportunity.

What does this mean? To my mind it means zero tolerance towards the expression of extremism and neo-Nazism. In the streets, on internet, on the sportsfield, wherever. In my opinion it means that the state takes confident steps against each person who tries to take over its task of ensuring order.

I would like to propose here that we make an effort to rise above the mainly official nature of the annual Slovak National Uprising celebrations. This is the right time to complement the formal SNU celebrations at memorials with more non-traditional forms of celebration, to make this truly heroic democratic chapter in the history of our nation attractive and admirable for people of all generations.

To shame neo-Nazism, anti-semitism, racism, denial of the holocaust and relativisation of crimes against humankind. Which, unfortunately, a part of our nation was involved in.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

The following topic I want to mention is the policy priorities of the state. You might remember how and what was discussed here a year ago and how we moved in the right direction. Based on the new government program, it seems to me that we don’t need to convince ourselves that our healthcare finds itself in a crisis and education system needs fundamental initiatives and reforms.

People in Slovakia today are justifiably uninterested in the tools we use to attain goals. They want to see real results. Allow me to mention at least three such goals which, I think, should be unconditional aims and commitments for the next four years.

Healthcare: firstly, that people everywhere in Slovakia, regardless of social status and place of residence are, for the same diagnosis, prescribed and guaranteed the same diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The same suspected disorder, the same timely diagnosis. The same diagnosis, the same treatment. A guarantee for the patient, a responsibility and guarantee for the doctor.

Secondly, the aim must be for people not to feel the handicap of disadvantages in access to healthcare. I am talking about patients who travel to other towns in the dark of early morning and wait their turn to see a doctor, sometimes not seeing him at all. And I am not speaking only about Krupina or Kremnica, which I visited recently, as there are a multitude of such towns and villages in Slovakia. Places from where people have to travel to see a specialist and wait for months for their turn to come. I think that we must find a way to force insurance companies to manage this for our people. For it to be part of doctors’ obligations to insurance companies, if necessary with the cooperation of towns and municipalities.

In the third place, I am convinced that instead of discussing one fee (and hypocritically turning a blind eye to the tens of fees people are forced to pay) the day when this chaotic system becomes one of order understandable to all, must come soon. So that a person always knows why he is asked to open his purse, in addition to paying insurance.

I am convinced that in the same, very specific way, we must be able to describe realistic progress in our second priority, education.

I will not repeat what I said about this topic last year. As far as the state of affairs is concerned, we are in the same situation as last year. As far as ambitions are concerned, we are at a new starting point. The new Minister of Education has publicly committed himself to carrying out the most expansive reforms of the last 25 years.

You often hear me saying that respect for education and teachers must be returned. Today I would like to say that we should dedicate ourselves much more to what exactly we want to achieve. So that, instead of increasing the demands we make on our children, who on average have ever worse results, we should increase the demands we make on education – this will be reflected on our children.

Allow me to illustrate the degree of specificity we need and what people expect today by stating one example. An example where the task of our education system overlaps the problem of our Roma population. I am convinced that it is high time to commit ourselves to breaking the vicious circle of poverty and low education. Starting today means starting now and ambitiously.

One of the specifically measurable goals (which I always say the government must establish) could be set as follows: within ten years all Roma children in Slovakia will have completed primary school with average results comparable to non-Roma children. Starting with the generation of children who start their preparatory year next year. And let’s calculate how much money, how many teachers and social workers we need. Today already we have primary schools that are working on such an ambition. It all just depends on whether we want schools like this for all Roma children.

Does this seem too little? I don’t think we have anything more longlasting and realistic than severing the vicious circle of the Roma issue – illiteracy and the resulting poverty. It is an ambitious goal, but we cannot afford to linger any longer. We must set demanding goals and find ways of fulfilling them, otherwise not only the Roma community, but our entire society will pay.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

The examples I used in connection with healthcare and education do not have to suit everyone. Naturally, it is up to the constitutional competence of the government and parliament to formulate the objectives of economic and social policies. As President I do, however, consider it my obligation to personally highlight and illustrate in which direction Slovakia has moved in the course of the year. From reflections and discussions about what we should want to attain and how to do it, to a clear public order. Stop the endless discussions and act!

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

We live in a period of uncertainty and a period of opportunities. In 1998 Slovakia was in such a bad situation that, in order to divert an economic collapse, the government had to step it up. And gradually change things, as there was no other possibility. And together with this Slovakia gained a healthy confidence, catching up what it had missed out on and reached its neighbours within a few years. Today Slovakia is quite sound economically. The economy is growing, unemployment is decreasing, factories are in production and the self-employed are struggling along. But the services provided by the state do not correspond with this. None of us feel a victorious atmosphere. And I think we realise that, apart from the priorities I mentioned, we must ask ourselves more courageous questions in some areas.

To move things forward.

Nobody remembers exactly who first uttered the promise of “expanding the highway to Košice”. We only know that it was very long ago. Alas, before we manage that, we must accept the fact that a wide roadway will no longer save poorer and depopulated regions. And will not turn them into miraculously wealthy parts of Slovakia. We must, therefore, think of ways to return confidence to villages, towns and regions that feel they have been forgotten.

Probably nobody remembers either when our society forgot that the state is here for its people, not the people for the state. That each and every employee in state administration paid by the state is there to help. To serve its citizens. Each and every employee of the trade licensing office, social insurance office, tax office, alien police and all other state institutions should remind themselves of this again and again. The customer is king; our citizen, our service.

The thousands of devoted employees in these institutions cannot save the situation. This must be the responsibility of each and every state employee. From the highest. And it is the responsibility of each and every citizen to demand such a service confidently and decently.

I think it is high time in Slovakia to consider, and agree, how to solve labor shortage in several areas. We hear more and more employers concerned about the labor market exhausted of people with the necessary qualifications in various regions.

Decreasing unemployment has recently been one of the best pieces of news. Our country is still not attractive enough for talented people. Slovakia should be a country which not only raises talented, capable and confident people, but a country which attracts such people from abroad, and enables these people to grow and be successful here. Our Slovakia is not a large country and we should learn to use this as an advantage. A small and flexible country in the centre of Europe, clearly supporting creative industries and innovations, is the ideal means of testing, implementing and investing into the most modern technologies in the world.

We must also start thinking about and agree how to prepare a dignified old age for our senior citizens who rely on aid. Who will continue to increase, while those of us who are active and capable of taking care of our parents and grandparents besides working, will be increasingly less.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

These days we are keeping our fingers crossed for our soccer players. Hamšík’s goal yesterday, wow! Soon our sportspeople will be at the Olympics, and then we hope that Peter Sagan will surprise us in the new start of his old discipline. We are proud that they will wear our national emblem on their chests and we will look forward to their successes.

I’m sure you are familiar with it. When we speak about what is great about Slovakia, the most common response is: beautiful nature and good people. When you speak to managers of Slovak factories that belong to international corporations, they tell you that the Slovak ones are among the best in the world. Because we have tremendous and motivated people. As President, these words of appreciation fill me with pride. We also have originally Slovak companies that have a splendid reputation and promote Slovakia abroad.

But I think that as a country we also need other types of success. Mutual success. Something we all feel a part of and makes us feel proud. The reasons for such pride cannot be substituted by the excellent performance by a Slovak sportsperson. Neither the international success of a Slovak company. Or one of the highest GDP growths in the European Union.

The origin of such pride and healthy self-confidence can only reoccur if Slovakia quickens it step. To succeed again.

That for each euro of our taxes the state invests somewhere, it can competently answer what it expects from that euro, that investment.

That it manages to tackle problems so that everyone says: this country, our Slovakia, is not only for the best, the wealthy, the chosen few.

That Slovakia is also a great, friendly, caring and safe home for ordinary people. That not only an exceptional performance is a success appreciated by society, but normal, everyday honest work.

And our state must lead in its example of the respect we want to feel and express mutually towards each other, by how it behaves towards us. It cannot succeed in everything, like no-one can. But when we need it, it can do a lot. Like us, its citizens.”