In recent days, the public has been discussing nothing else than the gesture of the young student Simon, who refused to shake hands with President Peter Pellegrini. As the 19-year-old explained, he has both a personal and a political problem with the president. However, the president respects the student’s gesture, but he regrets that it overshadowed the event of the presentation of awards for the success of high school students in international Olympiads.
Prime Minister Robert Fico also commented on the situation on the social network. “Today, I am attacked by an incident when an immature teenager with a Ukrainian flag on his suit does not shake hands with the president of the Slovak Republic. His refusing hand should be an example of defiance. Someone here needs three slaps. I would start with the anti-state media. And then the experience of life. If, as a student, I complained at home about the teacher for pulling my hair, my mother would slap me two more times, because the teacher was always respectful and right,” he wrote.
He criticized the president’s attitude. “I will not be wise and say what I would do if my minister of education organized a similar event for me and one of the awarded students did not shake my hand as one of the three highest representatives of the state. First, I would ask him if he had a nursery. Second, what his parents taught him. And third, I would take his award and send it to where it belongs in front of all the media. And finally, I would like to thank the Minister of Education for his cooperation. The president made a mistake if he said he respected the student. There is nothing to respect here,” Fico stated his opinion.
But his words outraged the actress Kristina Tormová, who also commented on the situation on the social network. “I have to. Also this. Thank you for giving me such a slap in the face, Mr. Prime Minister, that this is even possible, just writing it is a different universe for me and experiencing something like this. Well, as a mother and a person who is interested in education, who raises children with respect and love. You know, I’m sincerely and from the bottom of my heart sorry that you had it this way and it explains a lot, a lot. And I’m sorry not only for you that you didn’t get understanding and hugs in such a situation, but also for our whole country, which is now receiving slaps from you“, she sent a public message to the prime minister.
