Slovak Transport Minister Considers Bratislava Mayoral Bid but Rules Out Party Membership

Transport Minister Jozef Ráž said he is considering running for mayor of Bratislava but rejected joining any political party, stating he does not want to "wear uniforms" that force people to follow orders. As a non-party nominee of Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, Ráž said he wants the freedom to decide whether to complete his ministerial term or pursue the position of Bratislava mayor. The statement suggests potential uncertainty in the government's transport portfolio as Ráž weighs his political options ahead of what would be a significant mayoral race in Slovakia's capital city.