Rasi Believes House Should Deliberate on Opposition No-confidence Motions

Bratislava, 13 July (TASR) – Parliament should address opposition proposals for a no-confidence vote in the government and motions to dismiss several ministers during its September session, House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) told TASR on Sunday. Rasi's comments come in response to opposition criticism over the fact these items have been repeatedly postponed and moved down the agenda by the coalition. „In my view, as Speaker of Parliament and deputy leader of Voice-SD, these discussions should take place,” Rasi said. „There are five pending motions, including a no-confidence vote in the government and motions to remove the ministers of defense, environment, and interior, as well as the culture minister.” Rasi suggested that these debates could realistically be held in the September parliamentary session. He noted that Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD), one of the targeted ministers, is ready to face the motion. „He wants to enter the political ring and argue his case,” Rasi added. The House Chair explained that the motions were postponed from the last session at the request of coalition partners, who had agreed to merge the debates into one discussion. However, he also pointed out that some opposition bills were not debated because their sponsors were absent. „Most of the opposition MPs — especially those from the 'Slovakia' party — were not present in the chamber when their bills were scheduled,” he said. Rasi also announced that the September session is expected to include debate on the so-called “COVID amnesty” bill, which President Peter Pellegrini returned to Parliament for reconsideration. He also expects a vote on the government’s proposed constitutional amendment to take place next month. mf