Sutaj Estok: NBS Governor Nomination Belongs to Voice-SD, We Support Kazimir

Kosice, 15 August (TASR) - The nomination for the post of governor of Slovakia's central bank (NBS) within the governing coalition is fully in the power of Voice-SD and the party supports the current governor, Peter Kazimir, Voice-SD chairman and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok pointed out at a press conference in Kosice on Friday. As he said, he told Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) that questioning the coalition agreement is not the way to a stable and functioning governing coalition. The Voice-SD leader pointed out that according to the coalition agreement, the nomination of the NBS governor and vice-governors falls exclusively within the power of Voice-SD, while during the recent changes in the government they allowed the Slovak National Party (SNS) to nominate former tourism and sport minister Dusan Keketi for the post of vice-governor as a sign of goodwill. "That's why I strongly warn our coalition partners that who will be the NBS governor is fully within the power of Voice-SD and I've expressed my very clear support for the current governor, Peter Kazimir, who has my full human and professional support," added Sutaj Estok. Robert Fico told a press conference on Friday that there is no conflict in the governing coalition over the NBS governor post. The premier was reacting 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 current governor Peter Kazimir 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. am/mcs