Groehling: Premier Fico Wants to Restrict Political Debates Out of Fear

Bratislava, May 5 (TASR) - Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) leader Branislav Groehling disagrees with Premier Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) proposal to cancel Sunday political debates, claiming that Fico wants to limit political discussion out of fear, TASR has learnt from the MP's social media post. "Fico won't dictate who can speak and when, and he can keep his pathetic proposals to himself," stated Groehling. According to him, Fico has spent years avoiding the media, refusing to answer questions or take part in debates. "Suddenly, when his government is falling apart, he's holding press conferences and finally responding because he senses public dissatisfaction. People are upset about doubled salaries for officials, their pensions, lenient sentences for criminals and rising costs for ordinary people. And now, out of fear, Fico wants to restrict political debate," said Groehling. Groehling added that it's Fico and his colleagues who display aggressive and violent behaviour. "You're destroying the economy, justice, culture and our natural environment. Answer to the people and the public. Explain why you're wasting millions unnecessarily while burdening the public. And if you can't handle it, the solution is simple – step down," the SaS leader stated. On Sunday (May 4), Premier Robert Fico said he was ready to sign an agreement with all political party leaders to cancel Sunday political debate shows, suggesting they should be broadcast on a weekday evening instead. lin/df