Parliamentary Committee Meeting in Gelnica Not Quorate Amid Storm Aftermath

Gelnica, 6 August (TASR) – A special emergency, away-from-home session of the House Council's Committee for Public Administration and Regional Development in Gelnica (Kosice region), convened in response to the aftermath of a severe windstorm in early July, was not quorate on Wednesday. Instead, committee members held informal talks with representatives of affected municipalities, district offices, and the Interior Ministry. Committee vice-Chair Igor Janckulik (KDH) stated that the state provided initial assistance. However, he pointed out problems with the approach of insurance companies and the lack of cooperation between the leadership of the town of Gelnica and the relevant district office. Committee member Viliam Zahorcak (Smer-SD) disagreed, stating that the state did not fail and acted as it should. According to Janckulik, the state's aid came in part thanks to the committee being convened – a claim rejected by the competent authorities. „I hope more funding will follow, but the state did help with the initial response,” he said, noting that rescue services and volunteers also assisted. Janckulik criticised insurance companies for reportedly covering only about half of the damages and noted that some buildings could not be insured at all, as they are located in flood zones — despite being built before those zones were officially designated. „We definitely need to help these people too,” he added. He also emphasized that the town of Gelnica launched a public fundraiser to support residents. Committee member Marek Lackovic (Progressive Slovakia) said that while the state provided help after the storm, it was insufficient. He criticised the Slovak government and the Prime Minister for not yet releasing any funds from their reserves. Lackovic also pointed out that this was the third consecutive time the committee had failed to reach quorum, due to the absence of several coalition MPs. „This committee meeting was mainly convened because opposition colleagues, in my view, received incorrect information about the situation here,” said Zahorcak, who claimed the opposition expected a “media sensation.” He stated the state had acted properly and that although certain steps still need to be completed, the process is underway. „From my perspective, the committee session did not meet the expectations of the opposition, but I’m glad I was here and heard that the state is functioning well,” he added. „We must underline that everyone appreciated the assistance – no one questioned it. It was the fastest in the history of Slovakia,” said Deputy Interior Minister Michal Kalinak, who also attended the session. Regarding insurance payouts, he stressed the importance of contract wording, urging residents to be cautious. Committee member Vladimir Ledecky (Freedom and Solidarity) called for consideration of developmental aid. „We’re taking away the lesson that certain issues in disasters like this must be addressed, including changes to legislation,” he noted. Eastern Slovakia was hit by powerful winds and heavy rainfall in early July, causing significant material damage to private property, infrastructure, and transport networks. A state of emergency was declared in dozens of municipalities and across the entire Gelnica district. mf/mcs