Opposition Blasts Sasko's Press Conference, Claims He Explained Nothing

Bratislava, 8 August (TASR) – The opposition sharply criticised Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) for failing to cancel the controversial ambulance tender or provide any explanation at his press conference, calling for his resignation again. These statements were made during several press conferences held on Friday. MP Oskar Dvorak (Progressive Slovakia/PS) claimed the minister is “the least informed citizen in Slovakia” and acts as if he knows nothing. Dvorak again pointed to alleged connections between the supposed tender winner and the Voice party. Sasko, he said, has not refuted these suspicions and instead has only worsened the situation. „The minister has shown that his removal still makes sense,” Dvorak stated. According to unofficial information cited by Dvorak, Matej Ovcziarka, a member of the selection committee, was directly appointed by Sasko. „When the minister claims he lacks information from the committee or is unaware of certain matters, he is lying and misleading the public,” Dvorak added. PS leader Michal Simecka announced that if the tender is not cancelled by Monday (11 August), a large protest against the “ambulance theft” will be held in Bratislava on Tuesday (12 August). Peter Stachura, MP for the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), accused Sasko of playing a disgusting, evasive game and shifting responsibility to the Slovak Emergency Medical Services Operational Centre. According to him, the minister knows the outcome of the tender and understands the broader context, but chose to stage a theatrical performance for the public and media. Stachura believes current information clearly points to biased conduct and insists Sasko should step down. The 'Slovakia' party described the minister’s conduct as theatrical as well and questioned his attempts to shift or downplay responsibility. Michal Sipos, head of the party's caucus, argued that Sasko’s Friday statement, in which he postponed the final decision until Monday, is simply a tactic to buy time and cover up misconduct. MP Rastislav Kratky said the issue has grown beyond a ministerial scandal to a full-blown scandal for the entire Voice-SD party. „This is also a signal to all opposition parties to clearly rule out any post-election cooperation with Voice,” he emphasised. Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) called Sasko’s public appearance a complete failure. MP Tomas Szalay said that instead of explanations, the public heard only excuses, and none of the suspicions were addressed. He, too, suggested that the delay in decision-making may serve only to conceal errors and conflicts of interest. SaS continues to demand the immediate cancellation of the tender and Sasko’s resignation. On Friday, Minister Sasko stated that further steps regarding the ambulance tender would be announced on Monday. He acknowledged public concerns and said he shares them. He has asked his expert team and the leadership of the Slovak Emergency Medical Services Operational Centre to examine all possible courses of action, including the cancellation of the tender. He stressed that he would not allow any scandals or shady dealings to take place. The €2-billion tender concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven air ambulance bases. It has faced widespread criticism. The opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence motion against Sasko in Parliament, claiming the tender lacks transparency and has pre-determined winners. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has urged the minister to publicly answer all questions that raise public doubt. The Public Procurement Authority has also warned that the tender violates EU regulations. mf/mcs