Opposition: Kotlar's Statements Aimed at Diverting Attention from Consolidation

Bratislava, 18 September (TASR) - The opposition has criticised Thursday's press conference held by the Government Proxy for Investigation into COVID-19 Pandemic Management Peter Kotlar, claiming that the coalition is trying to divert attention from the consolidation measures that are now being discussed in Parliament. "Kotlar spoke complete nonsense. I didn't even understand what he was trying to say, and I doubt that anyone did. This clearly proves that Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is wheeling out Kotlar whenever he needs to cover something up. This time it's the consolidation plans, which will impoverish people," said Progressive Slovakia (PS) MP Oskar Dvorak. He once again called on Kotlar to step down as government proxy because his actions pose a threat to public health. According to another opposition MP and former health minister (2020-21) Marek Krajci ('Slovakia'-For the People-Christian Union alliance), Kotlar's statements were just a smokescreen. “Fico's government is planning to impoverish ordinary people, sole traders, businesses and pensioners and rip them off to the tune of billions of euros next year. Amidst the rising tensions in society, Fico gave a clear order - unleash Kotlar," said Krajci, describing the government proxy's statements as dangerous. "Giving a platform to this kind of person means giving a platform to disinformation," added Krajci. On Thursday, Kotlar called on Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) to state immediately whether COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and to justify his position. He also urged the Prosecutor-General's Office to provide information about the current status of the submission concerning mRNA vaccines that he lodged with the office in March. In addition, Kotlar asked the government to reject international health regulations and urged the coalition Voice-SD party and President Peter Pellegrini to stop defining his powers. jrg/df