Monitor: Premier Fico Plans to Discuss Transaction Tax at Coalition Meeting

(TA3, 'V politike', May 18) Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday that he plans to convene a Coalition Council meeting at the end of next week to address the transaction tax, stressed its necessity, but said he is open discussing the Slovak National party's (SNS) proposal. "I want to see what's on the table. If someone comes and says, let's take 150 million from that 700-million package to help someone and ease the burden, that's fine. I'll be happy if the number of those who have to pay the transaction tax is reduced. I just ask for an answer on how we'll replace the lost 150, 200, or 300 million euros," he said. If someone came up with a solution to find €700 million, he would scrap the transaction tax. He's unsure of the exact extent of the SNS proposal. "I'll look at the proposal with full respect and we'll discuss whether we can find a replacement for the lost money from the transaction tax," he added. lin