Premier Rejects Major Changes to Transaction Tax and Admonishes Partners

Bratislava, May 4 (TASR) - The transaction tax has a significant role in the current consolidation of public finances and its more significant changes can only be discussed if the coalition partners bring proposals to replace the shortfall in its revenues, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) told a press conference on Sunday, reminding his coalition partners that the tax had been approved at the coalition council and governing MPs okayed it in Parliament. "The worst political death is by scaring and startling," the premier said in response to additional proposals by some governing party leaders for changes in the transaction tax. "We're in the middle of governing and we're interested in bringing this governing coalition to 2027. I'll be patient, but as for the agreements that will be made at the coalition council, I'll consistently demand that they be respected," added Fico. Minor adjustments in the tax, he said, could relate to some technical issues. However, the premier admitted changes to the transaction tax at a recent meeting with entrepreneurs from the Republic Union of Employers. According to the prime minister, the most important issue for Slovakia at the moment is how our economy, especially the automotive industry, will cope with the risks of a trade war between the EU, the USA and China. Fico is therefore planning to meet with representatives of car companies manufacturing in Slovakia on Monday (May 5). However, according to him, these talks shouldn't include the transaction tax, but Slovakia's procedure at the European Council in dealing with the support of the automotive industry. am