OĽaNO and Friends

The Slovak political party OĽaNO, which stands for Ordinary People and Independent Personalities, is a populist, anti-corruption party that emerged from a civic movement. It was founded by Igor Matovič in 2011, initially as a platform for independent candidates to run for the Slovak National Council. Over time, it evolved into a fully-fledged political party, gaining significant popularity and eventually leading the government after the 2020 parliamentary elections.

OĽaNO's core values revolve around transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption. The party positi…  ons itself as a defender of ordinary people against the established political elite, whom they accuse of corruption and cronyism. They advocate for significant reforms in the judiciary and public administration to enhance transparency and reduce corruption. OĽaNO also emphasizes the importance of direct democracy and has proposed mechanisms to facilitate greater public involvement in decision-making processes.

Economically, OĽaNO supports policies that are pro-business but also aim to protect the vulnerable in society. They advocate for efficient and transparent use of public funds, tax reforms to support small and medium-sized enterprises, and measures to improve the business environment in Slovakia. Socially, the party promotes conservative values, reflecting the views of its predominantly conservative electorate.

OĽaNO's approach to governance is characterized by a strong emphasis on moral integrity and ethical leadership. They have been vocal critics of what they perceive as systemic corruption and have made significant efforts to expose and address corrupt practices within Slovak politics. This stance has resonated with many voters who are disillusioned with traditional political parties and are seeking change.

In summary, OĽaNO and Friends is a political party that champions anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability, aiming to represent the interests of ordinary people against the backdrop of a political system they view as corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the public. Their commitment to these principles has been central to their identity and appeal, positioning them as a key player in Slovak politics.