PS: Coalition's Statements Misleading, Public Finances in Poor State

Bratislava, 21 May (TASR) - Slovakia has one of the lowest economic growth rates in the surrounding countries, its economy is practically stagnating, inflation is among the highest in the eurozone, and public debt is not decreasing, stated opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka in response to a press conference on Wednesday held by Premier Robert Fico and Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (both Smer-SD) regarding the state of public finances. "What they said doesn't match reality at all. In some points, they outright lied," said the MP. Simecka said that state spending continues to rise, and despite efforts to consolidate, this year's public finance deficit is roughly the same as when the current government took office in 2023. "They increased taxes, raised VAT, introduced a foolish transaction tax, increased all possible fees, but since they absolutely failed to save on themselves, they basically achieved nothing," Simecka added. The PS leader once again urged the coalition to abolish the transaction tax. He said that if the domestic economy stagnates and people aren't creating value, taxes won't be paid. According to him, the transaction tax is suffocating the economy at a time when Slovakia needs to achieve economic growth. lin