KDH: Premier's Compensation Plan Not Targeted Aid (2)

Bratislava, 3 August (TASR) – The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) criticised the heat and gas price compensation plan presented on Sunday by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), claiming it does not constitute targeted support. MP Jozef Hajko (KDH) raised concerns about both the scope of the compensation and the intention to fund it using EU funds. „KDH has long advocated for targeted assistance because blanket aid is ineffective, financially demanding, and helps even those who do not need it,” Hajko stated. He also disapproves of the government’s plan to allocate hundreds of millions of euros from EU resources for the scheme. „KDH repeatedly warns that EU funds should not be ‘eaten up’ or serve as an ATM for the government’s party campaigns,” Hajko added. Hajko also commented on reports of the European Commission’s approval of a proposed intergovernmental agreement between Slovakia and the United States on nuclear energy cooperation. This agreement is expected to serve as a basis for another deal focused on constructing a new nuclear block in Jaslovske Bohunice. While supporting efforts to ensure Slovakia’s energy self-sufficiency, Hajko stressed the importance of financial sustainability and transparency in the project. „KDH again calls for a proper expert debate and a roundtable involving both coalition and opposition parties,” he said. In a video posted on social media on Sunday, Prime Minister Fico stated that he and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) agreed to present the coalition with a proposal for energy assistance that would cover 90 percent of households. EU funds are expected to be used for financing, with Fico referencing the European Commission’s commitments during negotiations on the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions. In addition, the Prime Minister announced that the initial agreement with the US will pave the way for a new intergovernmental deal with American company Westinghouse to build the nuclear block. mf