Premier: No Conflict in Coalition over NBS Governor, Post Belongs to Voice-SD

Bratislava, 15 August (TASR) - There is no conflict in the governing coalition over the post of governor of Slovakia's central bank (NBS), Prime Minister and Smer-SD leader Robert Fico stated at a press conference on Friday, adding that the post belongs to the Voice-SD party, and Smer-SD isn't claiming it. The premier said this in response to the media speculation that Smer-SD would like to push through current Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD) as head of the central bank. Fico said in the past that his party wouldn't support the current governor, Peter Kazimir, who is being promoted by Voice-SD, for another term. "We've said very clearly what our position is on the election of the central bank governor, but there is no conflict here. We're waiting for a candidate. This seat, as far as the NBS governor is concerned, belongs to the Voice-SD party. So when Voice comes up with a candidate who will pass in the government, he'll be approved. We aren't making claims to the right to the NBS governor," stated Fico. Regarding the consolidation of public finances, he said the coalition council had already discussed some 40-50 related issues, but the matter hasn't yet been closed. "We're about a quarter of the way through. Yesterday we went over energy assistance, that is compensation, we agreed on some things," stated the premier, reiterating that the energy price assistance will cover 90 percent of households in Slovakia. The threshold that will separate the remaining 10 percent will be income. Fico also dismissed speculation about a possible increase in value-added tax (VAT). According to him, such a proposal doesn't exist and hasn't been discussed. In connection with the second pension pillar, the government wants to discuss with pension fund management companies (DSS) how to use the billions deposited in this system to finance various projects in Slovakia, pointing out that the law allows this. am/mcs