Pollak: PES's Decision Is Message on Isolation of Fico's Government in EU

Bratislava, October 13 (TASR) - The decision of the Party of European Socialists (PES) to suspend membership of the Slovak Smer-SD and Voice-SD parties in it is a clear message that Robert Fico's Government will be isolated in the European Union (EU), MEP for OLANO Peter Pollak told a news conference on Friday. "This decision will significantly damage the interests of Slovakia. If Robert Fico wants to negotiate something for Slovakia, it will be much more difficult for him," stated Pollak. He said that individual factions, for example, coordinate their procedure ahead of summits. According to Pollak, the membership suspension might also influence the work of Smer-SD's MEPs. 'For the People' party leader Veronika Remisova views the membership suspension as an international shame, speaking also about Slovakia's isolation in the EU. The PES on Thursday (October 12) decided to suspend membership of Smer-SD and Voice-SD parties in response to a clear divergence from the values of the PES family demonstrated by Smer-SD leader Robert Fico. "PES is also concerned about the announced government coalition between Smer-SD, Voice-SD and a radical-right party. Voice-SD party reacted that it is not aware of any deviation on its part from social-democratic values and hopes that the European socialists will reconsider their decision. Smer-SD vice-chair Juraj Blanar has posted on a social network that the party's membership has been suspended due to "forming of a pro-Slovak government". ko/mcs