'Slovakia': Even Vice-premier Kmec Starts to Talk About Suspension of EU Money

Bratislava, September 11 (TASR) - Vice-premier Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) confirmed on Wednesday that Slovakia's fourth payment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan has been suspended, which is why the government representatives should immediately hold talks in Brussels so as to prevent the country from losing a single euro, opposition 'Slovakia' party declared on the same day. Earlier in the day, Kmec stated that expert negotiations regarding Slovakia's amendment to the Penal Code are still slated to be held. "It's irresponsible when the government lies and endangers the economic interests of all Slovakia's inhabitants. There won't be money for roads, highways, schools, nurseries, railways and anti-flood measures because of that," warned MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU). Finances to be allocated under the Recovery Plan could also help ministries with powers to directly improve the situation in towns and villages. In this respect, MP Rastislav Kratky ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU) warned that the climate has been changing not only in Slovakia and even the Environment Ministry has called a crisis team over the looming extreme storms and potential floods. "I call on the Environment Ministry to help local authorities and cooperate with them. The money from the Recovery and Resilience Plan are also for anti-flood measures, hence the ministry and the government are endangering with their activities also local authorities and the people - they have drawn only €12 million out of the overall package of €176 million to that purpose," said Kratky. mf/mcs