A couple of presidents, only one Zuzana
19 June 2024
Last Friday, Slovakia said goodbye to its first female president, Zuzana Čaputová. For many Slovaks, it felt more like saying goodbye to an old friend rather than a politician. Many people praised Čaputová for her sensitivity. It was almost as if Slovakia was an immature teenager that needed a mother. Even when the country took an anti-progressive political direction, she was always there to balance out the public debate. The government coalition frequently insulted her, and her family. They called her an American agent among many other things, which became the reason she decided not to run again.
Her humanistic approach and focus on social issues made her popular until the end of her term, with 45% of people considering her trustworthy.
 | Tamara Kaňuchová Čaputová was reserved, but resolute. She raised overlooked issues, pointing the attention away from arguing men in suits to marginalised groups by celebrating them. Besides that, she was an important contrast to PM Fico's politics, challenging severe constitutional changes with her veto power. Being a perfect politician is impossible; however, Čaputová did a great job. Hopefully, her successor, Peter Pellegrini, who took over the office on Saturday, will be inspired by one of her quotes: "The power entrusted to me is for service, not for self-importance." |
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