Migal: Only Peter Pellegrini Can Stop Ambulance Tender (2)

Bratislava, 8 August (TASR) – Only President Peter Pellegrini has the power to stop the ambulance tender, Investments Minister Samuel Migal (independent) stated on social media on Friday. Migal believes the responsibility for the ambulance service tender does not lie with Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice–SD), but rather with Pellegrini, the honorary chairman of Voice–SD. „Pellegrini is the eminence grise of Slovak healthcare. Minister Sasko will act only on his instruction,” Migal remarked. The Investments Minister is therefore calling on the President to “hit the brakes” and stop what he calls political evasion. „Peter Pellegrini knows very well what his relationship is and how he's connected to the favoured companies which, according to media reports, are expected to win the tender,” the minister noted. Migal pointed out that when he joined Voice, he saw it as a hope for change — an end to secretive tenders and misuse of public funds in Slovakia. „I was wrong, and I publicly admit it,” he added. He declared that he will fight for Slovak healthcare with all his strength and to his last breath. The tender in question, worth €2 billion, concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven air ambulance bases. The coalition party Slovak National Party (SNS), the opposition, and several professional associations have all criticised the tender. On Friday, opposition parties submitted a motion of no confidence in the Health Minister to Parliament. They claim the competition is non-transparent and the winners have allegedly been pre-selected. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has called on the minister to publicly answer the questions that have raised concerns. The Public Procurement Authority (UVO) also warned that the tender violates European regulations. mf/mcs