Danko: SNS Won't Support Ouster of Minister Sasko, But Will Ask Him Questions

(TA3,'V politike', 7 September) The coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) won't support the dismissal of Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) in Parliament, SNS chairman Andrej Danko said on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday, adding that the party stands behind the nominations of the coalition partners, however, they will ask the health minister about some issues. Leader of the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) Milan Majersky thinks that Sasko should be dismissed. "We stand by all of them, by the nominations of our coalition partners. But we want to talk to Sasko," Danko said in connection with the motions to oust several ministers. He doesn't think that Sasko's dismissal would solve the problem in the health-care sector. Majersky agrees that Slovak health care is dying, but in his opinion it is because of the bad management decisions of those who run it. He pointed to the "messing up" of the ambulance service tender, which is being dealt with by the police that have received criminal motions and people are coming in for questioning. "I'm sure that they will be punished and the minister will be dismissed," noted Majersky, expressing his belief that ambulance services should fall under self-governing regions. Danko confirmed that negotiations on consolidation are ongoing at the level of the coalition council, announcing that the next meeting is due to take place on Monday (8 September) morning. He stated that the ministries falling under SNS are ready to consolidate. The SNS chair stressed the need to make savings in the health-care sector and education, and again criticised the increase in defence spending. Majersky believes that a draft consolidation package will be presented in the coming week. The KDH chief emphasised that the government should save first and foremost at itself, adding that he's sad that the government is burdening the citizens. am