'Slovakia' Party: Slovak Economy Collapsing Because of Gov't Policies (2)

Bratislava, 14 August (TASR) – The domestic economy is collapsing and Slovakia is heading towards bankruptcy, opposition MPs from the 'Slovakia' party warned at a press conference on Thursday. They blamed the current government of Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for indebting the economy and causing virtually zero economic growth. „The current government often claims the blame lies with previous governments, the economic situation, frozen industry, or the slowing German economy,” said Julius Jakab ('Slovakia'). However, he argued the situation is a clear consequence of measures such as the introduction of a transaction tax, increased value-added tax (VAT), cuts to the child tax bonus, and reductions in parental pensions. Jakab contrasted Slovakia’s performance with neighbouring Poland, which, despite adverse global economic conditions, is expected to achieve 3.4 percent economic growth — roughly eighteen times higher than Slovakia. „They also have frozen industry but are implementing different measures that the Slovak government and Robert Fico absolutely fail to adopt,” he added. The opposition MP further highlighted Slovakia’s high inflation rate, falling employment, and negative state debt trends. Jakab also criticised excessive government spending despite fiscal consolidation and urged coalition MPs present at Thursday’s coalition council meeting to focus on cutting state expenditures. He called for the cancellation of overpriced tenders and unnecessary ministries. „We agree with the proposed war tax. Arms manufacturers making record profits due to the war in Ukraine must be taxed, with VAT raised to the maximum, a large profit tax introduced, and increased licensing fees for arms exports,” Jakab said. Roman Mikulec of the 'Slovakia' party concluded that the Slovak economy is collapsing despite the government facing no serious crises. „This government has no crises — no COVID-19, no energy crisis, no inflation crisis, no crises like before,” Mikulec stated. mf/mcs