Juraj Blanár

Juraj Blanár
Blanár in 2023
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs
Incumbent
Assumed office
25 October 2023
Prime MinisterRobert Fico
Preceded byMiroslav Wlachovský
Deputy Speaker of the National Council
In office
21 October 2020 – 25 October 2023
SpeakerBoris Kollár
Member of the National Council
In office
8 July 2010 – 25 October 2023
In office
15 October 2002 – 4 July 2006
Governor of the Žilina Region
In office
2005–2017
Preceded byJozef Tarčák
Succeeded byErika Jurinová
Personal details
Born (1966-05-19) 19 May 1966 (age 58)
Žilina, Czechoslovakia
(now Slovakia)
Political partyDirection – Social Democracy
SpouseViera Blanárová
Children3
Alma materUniversity of Žilina (Ing.)

Juraj Blanár (born 16 May 1966) is a Slovak politician. He is currently the minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia. He served as a member of the National Council from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2023. Blanár was a Deputy Speaker of the National Council from 2020 until 2023.[1] Between 2005 and 2017 he served as the governor of the Žilina Region.[2] He is a member of the Direction – Social Democracy party.

Early life

Juraj Blanár was born on 16 May 1966 in Žilina. He studied at the University of Žilina.[3] Before starting his political career, Blanár worked for the construction company Váhostav in his hometown.[3]

Political positions

Foreign policy

Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Blanár opposes military help for Ukraine and supports improving diplomatic relations with Russia. He was one of the few Slovak MPs who did not vote for a parliamentary resolution condemning Russian killings of Ukrainian civilians passed after the Bucha massacre.[4]

In 2022, then Foreign Affairs minister of Slovakia Ivan Korčok accused Blanár of supporting Russian conquest of Ukraine.[4] Blanár later strongly opposed the defense agreement with the United States, arguing that it will eventually lead to US bases on Slovak soil.[4]

Social issues

Blanár is pro-life and supported initiatives aimed at reducing access to adoption in Slovakia.[5]

In March 2023, on the question of closure of shops on Sundays, Blanár spoke in favour of the ban with conditions.[6]

Personal life

Blanár is married and has three children.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Poslanci zvolili Blanára za podpredsedu parlamentu". Pravda (in Slovak). 21 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Blanár v Žiline skončil, kraj povedie historicky prvá županka". TA3 (in Slovak). 5 November 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Juraj Blanár (SMER-SD, ĽS-HZDS, SNS, HZD, Zelení, SF), kandidát na župana v Žilinskom kraji". Sme (in Slovak). Petit Press.
  4. ^ a b c "Kým Rusi vraždili v Buči, on bol s ich veľvyslancom, a kým úradník sedí, on si užíva luxus. Kto je Juraj Blanár". Aktuality.sk (in Slovak). Ringier Axel Springier Slovakia. 20 October 2023.
  5. ^ Kekelák, Lukáš. "Nový minister zahraničia Juraj Blanár / Mierotvorca, ktorý sa v boji s progresívcami zastal aj arcibiskupa Oroscha". Postoj (in Slovak). Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  6. ^ Baran, Michal (26 March 2023). "Blanár zahlasuje za zákaz nedeľného predaja". Radio and Television of Slovakia (in Slovak).

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