Radicova to be first Slovak woman leader

Iveta Radicova, an energetic sociologist intent on straightening out Slovakia's battered public finances, yesterday became the first-ever woman tasked with forming a cabinet in the country.

The 53-year-old university lecturer turned politician was visibly moved when President Ivan Gasparovic - her successful rival in the 2009 Presidential election - announced his decision to hand her the reins of government.

"I am incredibly honoured to accept the designation. I'll do my best to make this a cabinet for citizens, an open cabinet that will be able to say in four years that it's been a great success," said the centre-right leader.

With long blond hair and a wide smile, Ms Radicova has sought to bring a woman's touch and non-confrontational style to politics, in an election fight dominated by male politicians in the conservative post-communist country.

"The ability to listen is my most valued possession," says Ms Radicova.

Her SDKU-DS, the main opposition party in the outgoing parliament, has promised to get public finances battered by global crisis back on track without raising taxes or cutting social benefits.

"Slovakia chose the path of responsibility that will help solve the problems of the country," Ms Radicova told journalists.

"We will turn Slovakia into Europe's tiger again," she said, using the nickname earned for the country's stellar economic performance in 2007 and 2008.

The centre-right coalition that has mustered a narrow 79-seat majority in a 150-seat Parliament comprises the liberal SDKU-DS and Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democrat KDH and the ethnic Hungarian party Most-Hid.

A failed Presidential candidate from 2009, Ms Radicova emerged as SDKU's election leader after chairman and former prime minister Mikulas Dzurinda resigned over shady party funding scandal in February.

Ms Radicova started her political career as minister for labour, social affairs and family in 2005-2006 in the former liberal government that implemented several painful and unpopular social reforms.