At a recent congress of the opposition party SaS in Slovakia, delegates decisively voted against including former party leader Richard Sulík on the candidate list for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The proposal only garnered support from two votes, while 161 delegates opposed it and 13 abstained, indicating a strong shift in the party's direction. Following this, significant personnel changes were implemented in the party's leadership, including the end of Jana Bittó Cigániková's tenure on the national council, though she will remain a member of the party.

The absence of Sulík from the congress, where he was reportedly traveling, added to the narrative of a party ready to move on from its past leadership and focus on a new chapter. SaS members are keen to redefine their strategy, as emphasized by party representative Gröhling, who noted that the decision signals a desire to prioritize the party's future and a renewed commitment to their political agenda. He described the prevailing mood among delegates as wanting to conclude this chapter of the party's history.

The restructuring within SaS comes at a crucial time as Slovakia prepares for parliamentary elections. The party is looking to rejuvenate its image and reconnect with voters by embracing new leadership and steering the party away from reliance on its previous figures. This could be pivotal as they aim to reestablish themselves as a significant force in Slovak politics and contribute positively to the country's future direction.