Slovak MEP Leaves Hlas Party to Run for Trade Union Leadership

European Parliament member Branislav Ondruš has left the Hlas-SD party to run for chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions (KOZ), Slovakia's main trade union federation. Ondruš confirmed his candidacy and said he departed the social-democratic party, which is part of the ruling coalition, to maintain political neutrality required for the union leadership position. His plans drew criticism from Miriam Lexmann, a European Parliament member from the opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), who warned against the politicization of trade unions during a Sunday television discussion program. The Confederation of Trade Unions represents workers across various sectors in Slovakia and plays a significant role in labor negotiations and social policy discussions.