Mikulec: Fire Engines Not Supplied as Stipulated in Contract, Ministry Disagrees

Bratislava, 18 August (TASR) - A company called LRK Trading, which signed a contract to supply 80 fire engines of the most commonly used B1 category to the Interior Ministry, hasn't delivered them as expected, MP and former interior minister Roman Mikulec ('Slovakia'-'For the People'-KU alliance) told a press conference on Monday. In his opinion, the company isn't capable of supplying the vehicles for financial reasons. The ministry argues that the current management is purchasing equipment in a transparent and economic manner, and in accordance with legislation. Mikulec explained that before the contract was signed, LRK Trading was unknown in this segment. On 19 December 2024, the first fire engine prototype was formally supplied by a company from Poland. On the same day, however, an invoice was issued without any prior order placed, which came as late as on 23 December 2024. Mikulec asked if there any companies in Slovakia that issue an invoice before an order is placed, adding that the whole situation seems to be a fraud. The Interior Ministry stressed that the entire procurement procedure for the purchase of firefighting equipment was subject to a thorough inspection by the Public Procurement Office (UVO). "A motion for an inspection was filed by Mr Mikulec, thus causing a delay of several months," said the ministry, adding that the inspection report handed over following its completion on 7 April confirmed that the ministry had made no errors and had proceeded in full compliance with the law. As stipulated in the framework agreement from June 2024, at least 30 vehicles were to be delivered within 12 months, or at least 66 vehicles to date. Mikulec thus wants to know where the missing vehicles are and why Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok didn't request withdrawal from the contract. According to the ministry, under the project for supplying 80 fire engines for the Fire and Rescue Corps, one test vehicle was handed over in 2024, valued at just over €574,000, and this was paid for from the ministry's funds because UVO's inspection hadn't yet been completed at the time it was delivered. "The second vehicle will be handed over by the end of August, and regular deliveries of additional vehicles will begin in September," stated the Interior Ministry press department. jrg/df/mf