Juraj Blanár

Juraj Blanár (born 16 May 1966 in Žilina) is a Slovak politician. He has served as a member of the National Council since 2010. He also served as an MP in the 2002–2006 term. Since 2020 he has been the Deputy Speaker of the National Council.[1] Between 2005 and 2017 he served as the Governor of the Žilina Region.[2] He is a member of the Direction – Slovak Social Democracy party.

Juraj Blanár
Blanár in 2012
Deputy Speaker of the National Council
Assumed office
21 October 2020
SpeakerBoris Kollár
Member of the National Council
Assumed office
8 July 2010
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
Žilina, Czechoslovakia
(now Slovakia)
Political partyDirection – Social Democracy
Children3
Alma materUniversity of Žilina (Ing.)
OccupationPolitician

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

Russian invasion of Ukraine

In 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]

Defense agreement with the US

In January 2022, Blanár strongly opposed the defense agreement with the United States, arguing that it will eventually lead to US bases on Slovak soil.[4]

Abortion

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

Sunday shopping ban

On 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 with has three children.[3]

References
  1. "Poslanci zvolili Blanára za podpredsedu parlamentu". Pravda.sk (in Slovak). 21 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  2. TA3, TA3 COM | TELEVÍZIA. "Blanár v Žiline skončil, kraj povedie historicky prvá županka". TA3 (in Slovak). Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  3. "Juraj Blanár (SMER-SD, ĽS-HZDS, SNS, HZD, Zelení, SF), kandidát na župana v Žilinskom kraji". domov.sme.sk (in Slovak).
  4. "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). 20 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  5. Kekelák, Lukáš. "Nový minister zahraničia Juraj Blanár / Mierotvorca, ktorý sa v boji s progresívcami zastal aj arcibiskupa Oroscha". www.postoj.sk (in Slovak). Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  6. Baran, Michal (26 March 2023). "Blanár zahlasuje za zákaz nedeľného predaja". Správy RTVS (in Slovak). Retrieved 26 March 2023.
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