Juraj Blanár (born 16 May 1966 in Žilina) is a Slovak politician. He is currtenly the minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia. He served as a member of the National Council from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2023. From 2020 to 2023 he was a Deputy Speaker of the National Council. Between 2005 and 2017 he served as the Governor of the Žilina Region. He is a member of the Direction – Slovak Social Democracy party.
Early life
Juraj Blanár was born on 16 May 1966 in Žilina. He studied at the University of Žilina. Before starting his political career, Blanár worked for the construction company Váhostav in his hometown.
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.
In 2022, then Foreign Affairs minister of Slovakia Ivan Korčok accused Blanár of supporting Russian conquest of Ukraine.
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.
Abortion
Blanár is pro-life and supported initiatives aimed at reducing access to adoption in Slovakia.
Sunday shopping ban
On March 2023, on the question of closure of shops on Sundays, Blanár spoke in favour of the ban with conditions.
Personal life
Blanár is married and has three children.