Jakab: Fico Uses Fictitious Cheap Gas as Fig Leaf for Collaboration with Russia

Bratislava, 12 July (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is facing mounting criticism from European partners for refusing to support the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, and on Saturday, he and other ministers from his party attempted to justify the stance by citing concerns over Russian gas supplies and claiming the move will help secure lower gas prices for consumers - but those claims are false, opposition MP Julius Jakab ('Slovakia' party) said on the same day. „In reality, Slovak companies are paying the highest gas prices in Europe when measured without taxes and fees, and adjusted for purchasing power parity,” Jakab explained. „Without taxes and fees, Slovak firms pay the second-highest gas prices in Europe after Sweden. Once taxes and fees are included, Slovakia ranks among the top five most expensive countries — at levels comparable to Germany.” According to Jakab, countries that have already cut ties with Russian gas have demonstrably cheaper energy prices. He characterized Saturday’s press conference by the Prime Minister as a panic-driven attempt to spread misinformation and cover up what he called the government’s open collaboration with Russia. „Robert Fico also warns of a potential legal dispute with Russia over failing to take gas deliveries after 2028, which he claims could cost Slovakia €16 billion. Yet just last month, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova publicly stated that Russia was already failing to meet its contractual gas delivery obligations. Despite this, no lawsuit has been filed against Gazprom, and the government shows no interest in recovering the billions Slovakia might be entitled to,” Jakab added. mf