Danko Expresses SNS Support for Simkovicova, Appeals for Mutual Respect

Bratislava, May 10 (TASR) - Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (an SNS nominee) has the clear support of the Slovak National Party (SNS) caucus in Parliament, said House Vice-chair and SNS leader Andrej Danko at the beginning of the debate on the motion to oust the minister, criticising the opposition and appealing for mutual respect. "I've always tried to lead SNS in such a way that we respect the weak and national minorities, and when someone has a different orientation, we try to understand their problems. I have to say that we haven't always had understanding from the other side, your friends. It's you, the ones who often talk about democracy, who behave like dictators," said Danko of the opposition, accusing it of polarising society. As for Minister Simkovicova, Danko stated that he's proud of her actions, adding that he wants to continue to support changes at the Culture Ministry. "I sincerely thank the minister for changing the Culture Ministry with her team," he said, praising, for example, the redirection of funds for renovating the roof of the Slovak Philharmonic building. As for the criticised changes in cultural funds, he said that they are open to the opposition's objections, but he requests that Progressive Slovakia (PS) should be polite. Branislav Vanco (PS) rejected the claim that the opposition is polarising society. "Let's be fair. If it bothers you that we have a mandate for wisdom, then don't say that you are the only one with love for the nation," he stated. am/df