Takac: Ministries to Face Deeper Cuts in Upcoming Consolidation Package

Bratislava, 20 August (TASR) – The upcoming fiscal consolidation package will bring more significant savings across government ministries than in the past, declared Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) following a session of the government on Wednesday. "Even last year, we implemented savings at various ministries, including mine, by laying off 10 percent of employees, not only at the ministry itself but also in its subordinate organisations. I believe that the savings in the next consolidation package, from the perspective of ministries and the entire state and public administration, will be even greater," he specified. The minister described any detailed breakdown of the consolidation measures as premature. "What matters is by how much each ministry will be required to consolidate in its portfolio," he said. Takac ruled out savings by reducing the number of self-governing regions, calling such a move technically impossible due to the use of EU structural funds. "We are in a programme period, and structural funds are being drawn by the higher territorial units that would be abolished. It's not technically possible. However, I do admit the need for a public discussion — within both the coalition and the opposition — on reducing the number of higher territorial units. We have regional governors from both the opposition and the coalition, as well as mayors from both sides. Such reforms must cut across the political spectrum," he emphasised. "As for the amount that will stem from the coalition agreement — we'll certainly comply with what's necessary. We'll definitely be laying off employees," the agriculture minister added. mf/df