Ivan Gašparovič, a Slovak politician and lawyer, is best known for his service as the President of Slovakia over the course of ten years. His lengthy presidency marked the first time that a Slovak candidate was re-elected to the office of president. Aside from his service as president, Gašparovič is most widely noted for his non-confrontational style of governance, an attitude which generally won him popularity at home and abroad. His presidency was, however, not without some controversies, most notably his opposition to the erection of sculptures of figures with alleged fascist or Nazi sympathies. His decision not to name a new attorney general during his presidency also invited criticism and some political upset. On a lighter note, Gašparovič is often lampooned in the press and by the Slovak public for his slip of the tongue. Aside from his presidency, Gašparovič achieved early success in academia, serving in various universities and academic councils, as well as holding various governmental positions in the HZDS party (the “Movement for a Democratic Slovakia”). On the international front, Gašparovič’s efforts during his presidency included work with the United Nations aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable development, respect for human rights and responsible arms control.