Simecka: Fico Only Embarrassed Slovakia in Brussels and Declared Surrender

Bratislava, 15 July (TASR) – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) achieved nothing for Slovakia in Brussels, only embarrassing the country and ultimately declaring surrender, according to opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka on Tuesday. Simecka responded this way to a letter sent to opposition parties by the prime minister. "He failed and is now trying to drag the opposition into it after the event in order to deceive his voters. We won't fall for such a cheap trick. PS supports the joint approach by EU countries. Only a united European stance can guarantee Slovakia's security and prosperity in the face of Russian aggression and blackmail. If [Fico] wants to support continued gas trading, he should call on Putin to end the war and agree to peace," said Simecka. The PS leader added that the prime minister should have ended Slovakia's dependency on Russian gas long ago, secured supplies from safe sources and negotiated the best possible prices for the country. On Monday (14 July), Fico said that tough negotiations with European officials were nearing completion and that a written proposal was on the table. The proposal, offered by the European Commission, includes guarantees related to the planned phase-out of Russian gas supplies to the EU in exchange for Slovakia's support of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Fico stated that he's sending the proposal to the leaders of all relevant political parties and expects their feedback. mf/df