PS:Slovakia Losing Relations with European Partners on Whom Its Security Depends

Bratislava, 27 May (TASR) - We are losing our relationship with European partners on whom Slovakia's security and prosperity depend, opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka told a news conference on Tuesday, lambasting Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for heavily criticising statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "Germany is our most important partner, and when such words are uttered by the German chancellor, it's a clear signal of what we in PS have been saying for a long time, that Fico's policies have brought us into absolute isolation. Our partners don't understand us and don't trust us and perceive us to be a problematic state along with Hungary," said Simecka. Simecka reiterated that European partners are a guarantee of security and sovereignty for Slovakia, noting that no significant Western-European statesman wants to meet Fico anymore. "It is one thing to have one's own opinion and another thing to convince European partners and work for Slovakia, as he can say anything, but then the partners will act accordingly, which is detrimental to Slovakia's foreign policy, economy and interests," stated Simecka. PS leadership member Ivan Korcok views the statements by the German chancellor as serious, as they might lead to huge amount of damage. "A major investor, a trading partner, a key EU country doesn't trust us, as it can see what the current government is doing, it can see how the premier is leaving the European table for Moscow," added Korcok. According to him, Slovakia would not become an EU member under the current system of governance and with its current foreign policy. Fico heavily criticised statements made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday (26 May) that Germany will consider proposing in Brussels that EU funds to Slovakia should be cut if it continues to deviate from the Union's common direction. The chancellor's statements are unacceptable in the modern Europe, said Fico during his visit to Armenia on Tuesday. ko/df