Danko: Transaction Tax Was Approved in Exchange for Lower Taxes for Freelancers

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 7 June) Speaking on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues) MP and SNS leader Andrej Danko claimed in a discussion with MP from opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) Viliam Karas that last year the transaction tax was approved during the state budget discussions for this year in exchange for lower taxes for the self-employed and the hospitality sector. “We [SNS] were under pressure during the budget preparation. We fought for lower taxes for the self-employed, lower taxes for the hospitality sector, and many other things. In return, the transaction tax was also approved,” explained Danko. “The Premier [Robert Fico (Smer-SD)] clearly told us during the budget preparation that if we didn't support the budget, he would link it to a vote of no-confidence, which would mean the fall of Robert Fico’s government, so we had to vote for it. We'll probably face similar pressure during next year’s budget preparation. However, what matters to me is that the government stays in place. What matters to me is maintaining the coalition,” emphasised the SNS leader. Karas emphasised that the introduction of the transaction tax was a mistake. According to him, the government should systematically and sensibly manage the debt and consolidate public finances. “By not doing this systematically, merely patching things up, saving here and there, and pretending that we're consolidating, even if it’s just by raising taxes on people, the state isn't actually saving,” Karas said. lin