Matovic: Ambulance Tender Biggest Fraud in Handling of Public Funds in History

Bratislava, 7 August (TASR) - The ongoing ambulance services tender is the biggest fraud in the handling of public funds in Slovakia's history, 'Slovakia' party leader Igor Matovic declared on Thursday. According to unofficial information leaked to the media, the company Emergency Medical Solutions is set to receive 64 ambulances, while the Agel group will get 70. „In 2022, three years ago, the son of the owner of the letterbox company Emergency Medical Solutions gave a gift of €10,900 to President Peter Pellegrini and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (both members of then-opposition Voice-SD at the time) and is listed among official donors. In less than three years, Sutaj Estok, Pellegrini and Sasko will repay their donor with a contract worth €365 million,” Matovic noted. The 'Slovakia' party also announced it has collected all 14 signatures from its MPs to initiate the dismissal of Sasko. „I am in intensive touch with other opposition parties, who are also gathering signatures. We hope to finalise it tomorrow. We will inform the public when we hand over the signatures,” said Michal Sipos, head of the joint parliamentary caucus of 'Slovakia', For the People, and the Christian Union. The tender has been criticised by opposition parties, the coalition Slovak National Party (SNS), and the Doctors' Labour Union Association. Multiple opposition groups have called for Sasko’s dismissal. President Peter Pellegrini has urged the minister to adhere to the law during the tender process. If Sasko fails to dispel doubts about the ambulance tender, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) will insist on cancelling and restarting the competition. The Public Procurement Authority also warned that the tender was prepared in violation of European regulations. The Health Ministry responded to criticism by stating the selection procedure is being conducted in full compliance with valid legislation and dismissed opposition activity as political games and fearmongering. Voice-SD chairman Matus Sutaj Estok expressed full confidence in the Health Minister. Sasko announced he will issue a clear statement on the tender during a press conference on Friday, 8 August. Agel denies all allegations related to the tender, including connections to Emergency Medical Solutions or any members of the selection committee. The tender, worth €2 billion, concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven helicopter emergency medical service bases. mf/mcs