Fico: Next Gov't Session to Release "Legislative Avalanche"

Bratislava, March 20 (TASR) - The government will release a "legislative avalanche" at its next session, which, even though set to be held out-of-home in Galanta (Trnava region), will nevertheless deal with several big amendments, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) claimed on Wednesday. Fico also announced that the government will propose to deliberate on changes to the RTVS public broadcaster in a fast-tracked procedure, although this has yet to be greenlighted by the coalition council. "It'll be a little legislative avalanche," said the Prime Minister about the next government session. Aside from changes to the RTVS, the government also plans to deliberate on extensive amendments to the Public Procurement Act, Environmental Impacts Assessment Act and other social changes. As for the RTVS, Fico claimed that the public broadcaster is in a fight with the government and hence it can't meet the criteria of objectivity and public service character. In his view, the public has a right to objective and truthful information, but it's not getting that from the RTVS, which is why extensive changes are necessary. The Prime Minister announced that preparations for a joint session with the Ukrainian government in eastern Slovakia are underway. Scheduled to be held on April 11, the Slovak government would like to discuss specific projects, including a railway connection between Kiev and Kosice, the reconstruction of Vysne Nemecke border crossing, demining of Ukraine and other proposals. mf/mcs