History of The Office
The office was established by the constitution of Slovakia on 1 January 1993 when Slovakia permanently split from Czechoslovakia and became independent. However, the office was vacant until 2 March 1993 when the first president Michal Kováč was elected by the National Council of Slovak Republic. However, in 1998 due to then political situation the National Council was unable to elect new president for another term. The result was that for half a year the position became vacant. The duties and powers of the office were devolved upon the then prime minister and speaker of the National Council. In order to come to a solution the constitution was changed in so that the president would be elected in the national presidential election. Presidential elections have been held in 1999, 2004 and 2009.
The current president is Ivan Gašparovič who took office on 15 June 2004.
Read more about this topic: President Of Slovakia
Famous quotes containing the words history and/or office:
“Man watches his history on the screen with apathy and an occasional passing flicker of horror or indignation.”
—Conor Cruise O’Brien (b. 1917)
“I thank those who were good enough to say something pleasant about the incoming administration, for I am glad to get it now. I heard of the man who went into office with a majority and went out with unanimity.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)