UMS: Reduction in Number of Regions Isn't Consolidation Measure

Bratislava, 19 August (TASR) - Reduction in the number of self-governing regions isn't a consolidation measure. If the government coalition wants to consolidate, it should start in the state administration, the Slovak Towns Union (UMS) reacted in this way to a respective proposal tabled by the junior governing Slovak National Party (SNS) last week. UMS has called on the state and political parties to continue the process of the state's decentralisation instead. "UMS has repeatedly stated that it won't support non-systemic, ad hoc proposals from governing political parties that are not supported by expert analyses, increase the risk of further centralisation and may contribute to efforts to return to autocracy," UMS spokesperson Daniela Pirselova has told TASR. At the same time, UMS opposes the claim that four regions respect the history of the regions of Slovakia. It also rejects the presented level of savings in public finances that the reduction in the number of regions should bring. The union sees the need for consolidation primarily in state administration. UMS President Richard Rybnicek said that the key condition for public administration reform is a clear vision of the future of Slovakia. A public administration structure with a clear division of powers responsible for its implementation will stem from it. He stressed the importance of a decentralised way of the state governance and the transfer of powers and responsibilities closer to citizens. "For many year's we've been calling on governing coalitions to discuss the change in the state governance and continuation of public administration reform. However, real reform won't begin with ill-considered attempts and statements," stated Rybnicek. At last week's meeting of the Coalition Council the SNS party proposed reducing the number of self-governing regions from eight to four. The proposed model would follow Slovakia's historical divisions and create four regions: Bratislava, West, Central and East. According to the party, the reform would generate savings of over €500 million by reducing the number of offices and eliminating redundancy. Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said that Smer-SD is ready to vote in favour of the proposal. He claimed that reducing the number of self-governing regions is one way to save financial resources without jeopardising the functioning of the state. Voice-SD leader Matus Sutaj Estok said that his party is prepared to discuss the proposal, too. ko