The deputy wants to push for the decriminalization of marijuana, he allegedly tried it himself: Why did he choose politics? – Topky

You are only 26 years old. When did you become actively interested in politics?

I started as soon as I could. I was interested in politics when I was 14 years old, when I was just angry at what was happening in Slovakia. At the age of 15, I therefore joined the youth organization, and at the age of 19, I became the chairman of the Civic-Democratic Youth. At that time it was still such a “kinderpolitika”, but over the years I have learned a lot.

What exactly do you enjoy about politics?

In addition to philosophical debates on the nature of the state and eternal clashes between conservatism vs. liberalism and the right vs. on the left is also a real opportunity to change things for the better in Slovakia. In recent years, we have literally fallen asleep and the European tiger has become a sloth.

If we do not use this period to substantially strengthen institutions and public administration, we will simply not be able to compete with the rest of Europe. Responsibility for the country must be constantly recognized, and that is what politics should be about. In particular, I want to look for the best solutions despite the different currents of opinion. I enjoy the feeling that you can do a good thing.

You studied international relations in Brno and are currently completing your doctorate. Are you attracted to the diplomatic service?

Of course she attracts, but sometimes I feel like I still have too much “hot blood” for her. I have been interested in the EU, Russia, the USA and China for a long time, and Russia was also the topic of my diploma. In addition to English, I am also fluent in French and Russian, so I am logically close to these countries.

In OĽAN, you are a relatively unknown young blood. Why did you decide to run for the National Council of the Slovak Republic in the party of Igor Matovič?

Even before the elections, I said to myself that I would like to participate in the elections in some form, I did not plan to run, I rather thought about a campaign or initiative so that as many young people as possible could vote.

I saw the 2020 election as a crossroads. They had to decide whether to go on the trajectory of the mafia state or whether change would finally come. In September, a phone call came from Miša Šípoš, who offered me a position as a candidate. I took it that I was happy to help and I don’t need a good place. OĽANO had about 5% then, so I didn’t count on success. I perceived the party as an anti-corruption movement full of personalities and Igor Matovič as a man who for 12 years constantly pointed out the corruption and crimes of the SMER governments. So I decided to accept the offer and go help.

Is there room for young politicians in Slovak politics?

I think yes. Of course, with experience and wisdom in life, we cannot match older and more experienced “matadors”, but we can offer youthful zeal, zeal and bring topics that interest young people. I see the non-involvement of the younger generations in political life as a problem. After all, politicians decide their current and future lives.

Source: Mgr. art. Katarína Pšenákov

In OĽAN, you are part of a minority “liberal wing”. What do you think of your fellow parties’ efforts to date to reduce abortions that are at historic lows?

I am definitely against it. I have said several times that I will oppose any restrictions in this area and consider the constant opening of these topics to be counterproductive. It only does damage and I will do everything to ensure that nothing passes radically. At the same time, however, I respect the different views and beliefs of colleagues and I know how to have a constructive dialogue with them, even though we will never agree on these topics.

Being involved in youth politics has taught me to respect my opponents as well, and I take it as a healthy part of democracy and the free exchange of ideas. They also have their electorate and represent their constituents. The role of us liberals is to curb such efforts.

What is your opinion on the decriminalization of marijuana?

I am definitely in favor and I find it unacceptable for us to ruin the lives of young people, for example, for carrying a gram of marijuana. Many people around me smoke marijuana and they are not criminals, but intelligent and educated people.

Do you have your own experience with marijuana?

There are a lot of people around me who smoke marijuana. I studied in the Czech Republic myself, where I also tried marijuana. It’s not my “cup of coffee”, unlike a certain vice-president of SMER, I won’t dance around it and I’ll say straight away that I inhaled. However, marijuana does not suit me and that is why I reject such offers.

Are heavy penalties in Slovakia for keeping a dried plant appropriate?

They are not, which is why we have organized a conference on this subject as part of the ‘liberal wing’ OĽANO, and we plan to go to parliament soon with reduced sentences.

What grade (1-5 as in school) would you give to the new government for its work so far and why?

2 – we untied the hands of the police and the effect clearly appears. Unlike previous ones, this government is anti-corruption. The era of “our people” is over with us and justice finally has a chance to win. For me, a clear pro-European and Atlantic attitude in the field of foreign policy is also a big plus, we also have positive reactions from ambassadors. We came to power in a difficult situation and our healthcare system and the public administration were not prepared for a pandemic, into which the opposition was still doing everything to undermine measures to combat the pandemic. Therefore, we performed on average within V4.

But the clear downside is communication. Coalition disputes should be resolved behind closed doors, not on the press. It only frustrates people and increases the animosity towards the government. We cannot function by resolving reservations about a coalition partner in front of the media first. It basically doesn’t matter who is right in a conflict, because how things appear is unfortunately more important than what they really are and who is right.

That is why I have always rejected these public disputes and I am never involved in them. Politicians need peace and quiet. They have a lot of their own problems and they don’t need to solve ours either. However, we will receive the final mark from the voters in the next election.

Will you run for OĽANO in the next elections as well?

I will not overtake. In politics, things change often from day to day. However, I have some reservations about the functioning of the movement and, in particular, the coalition, which I would like to address.