'Slovakia' Party Alleges Cronyism in €2 Billion Ambulance Tender

Bratislava, 30 July (TASR) – The opposition 'Slovakia' party claims that friends of the competitors are influencing decisions in the ambulance service tender, as according to MP and former health minister (2020-21) Marek Krajci ('Slovakia'-For the People-Christian Union alliance) the selection committee includes individuals closely linked to the Agel group. Speaking on Wednesday, Krajci cited media reports as the source of this information. The party argues that emergency medical service licences will be awarded to pre-selected candidates and calls on Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) to explain how the members of the commission were chosen. „This group seems to play a key role in the mega tender worth two billion euros concerning state emergency ambulance services. The commission responsible was formed behind closed doors. No one is allowed to know who its members are – only a select few do,” said Krajci. Krajci claims this process will lead to Agel securing a significant share of the contract. According to him, the minister is continuing the “handover” of the health sector to Agel, citing several of Sasko’s appointments in healthcare institutions. 'Slovakia' party leader Igor Matovic criticised Sasko for what he sees as tailoring the tender terms to benefit financial groups. Matovic said it is not transparent to reveal the commission’s composition or the selection criteria only after the tender concludes. Together with Krajci, Matovic warned that the minister will bear political responsibility for the tender’s outcome. „We want to send a message to the minister that this tender will not end well. We already see it coming, and he will face accountability in Parliament. I believe other opposition parties will join us in calling for a vote of no confidence in Minister Kamil Sasko,” Krajci added. Other opposition parties have also criticised the tender conditions, calling them non-transparent. President Peter Pellegrini has urged the minister to ensure legal compliance in the process. The Health Ministry has stated that the selection process will be conducted properly, transparently and in accordance with set rules. Agel SK told TASR it won't comment on the matter at this time. mf/mcs