Sutaj Estok: In Next Consolidation, Government Could Get More Money from Banks

Bratislava, 15 August (TASR) - Slovakia has to consolidate its public finances for the second consecutive year due to the poor management of previous governments, Interior Minister and Voice-SD chairman Matus Sutaj Estok stated on Friday, adding that as part of further consolidation, the government could raise more money from the banks and save especially on defence spending. The minister was reacting to Thursday's (15 August) meeting of the coalition council, which is due to resume on Monday (18 August). "I've made it very clear as Voice-SD chairman that I won't agree to measures that would lower the social standards of the Slovak population. Primarily, they would endanger the most vulnerable groups, including families, single-parent families, pensioners or even working people who today have a problem in terms of their living situation," said Sutaj Estok. As part of further consolidation proposals, the government should also look at banks, from which it can raise more money, with banks set to make a net profit of €1.1 billion this year. He also responded to Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky's (Smer-SD) statements that all ministries will have to make savings, which he considers to be correct, and suggested that ministers' and MPs' salaries should be frozen during the consolidation period. At Monday's coalition council, he also wants to raise the topic of defence spending, as he believes the Defence Ministry should also make significant savings. am/mcs