Premier: Abolishing 13th Pension or Free Meals and Trains Unacceptable

Bratislava, 20 May (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) described the cancellation of social benefits, such as free trains and meals for students or the abolition of the 13th pension, as unacceptable, responding on social media on Tuesday to proposed measures by the association of employer unions (AZZZ) aimed at consolidating public finances. "I respect employers. But I'm a left-wing oriented politician, and the abolition of the 13th pension or free meals and trains for students is unacceptable for me," said Fico. According to the premier, consolidation can't come at the expense of the most vulnerable, and employers must also participate in it. The AZZZ head Rastislav Machunka highlighted the importance of reducing the deficit to face future economic challenges and maintain investor and international trust. Proposed measures include gradually reducing unemployment benefits after three months to encourage faster reemployment, reducing bureaucracy, potentially abolishing a state holiday for savings and etc. lin