Rasi: Minister Migal Hasn't Yet Sufficiently Oriented Himself in Area of Regions

Bratislava, 23 June (TASR) - After 100 days in office, Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) is proving that he's still not as familiar with the issue of regions as he should be; instead of talking responsibly and openly with the local authorities at the same table, he's attacking them and sending them inappropriate and almost rude messages through the media, Parliamentary Chair and ex-investment minister Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) said in response to the minister's comments made earlier in the day. "Local authorities are in a bad financial situation as a result of the decisions of [Igor] Matovic's [then OLaNO] government. From 2022 to date, they have a revenue shortfall of up to €1.3 billion. That's why local authorities can ensure the development of towns and municipalities mainly thanks to projects from EU funds. Local authorities counted on these funds that were promised to them and it's astonishing that Minister Samuel Migal wants to take them away," said Rasi. Migal claimed at a press conference that the local authorities are mediocre in their preparation for the drawdown of EU funds, their approved project plans are at the level of 56 percent and contracting at the level of approximately 12 percent. He told the regions to "cry less and work harder". "The approved project plans of local authorities are at 56 percent and the applications for non-refundable funds are at 32 percent. In terms of contracting, self-governing regions and local authorities are at 12 percent. As far as spending is concerned, I won't even mention it, because it is absolutely disastrous," said Migal. am/mcs