Minister Kamenicky Calls for Unity of Coalition Partners

(JOJ 24,'Politika 24', May 4) Speaking on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD) called for unity among the coalition partners, especially in connection with the adoption of the state budget, pointing out that all three coalition parties had agreed on the current consolidation measures. A gambling tax or a possible increase in property tax should help consolidation next year. "For myself, I can say one thing, that all this consolidation is necessary to avoid creditors, and it isn't the fault of Smer, SNS [Slovak National Party] or Voice," stated Kamenicky, adding that if they want to be responsible managers, they must pull together. The minister noted that the launch of the transaction tax was approved by Parliament and also by President Peter Pellegrini. "They all voted for it and to start criticising it today may be flattering, but for me it is populist and a move to score political points at the expense of a coalition partner," said Kamenicky, admitting that the budget is always a critical issue in terms of the government's stability. am