KDH: General Strike Shouldn't Be Organised and Declared by Political Parties

Bratislava, 22 September (TASR) - A general strike shouldn't be organised and declared by political parties; it's a matter for employers and trade unions, said Christian Democrats (KDH) leader Milan Majersky on Monday in reaction to the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party's call for a general strike on 17 November, adding that KDH will commemorate 17 November [the Velvet Revolution - ed. note] on the streets. "At the same time, a general strike would bring huge economic damage, worsening the state of public finances even more, and those whom we really want to protect - families, children, seniors and the self-employed - would pay the price," warned KDH. Majersky said that KDH has always approached key decisions with responsibility and prudence. It's been using political and value-based tools to tackle consolidation, fighting it in a decent, fair but uncompromising manner. "KDH has been saying for a long time and clearly that this consolidation is unfair and cruel, as it will affect families with children, seniors and the weakest the most. The government has once again chosen the easiest path - instead of saving on itself, it's taking from those who have the hardest time defending themselves," stated Majersky. The opposition SaS party has called for a general strike on 17 November. SaS leader Branislav Groehling said that people and employers themselves are contacting the party in this connection. The strike shouldn't be like the one that took place in 1989, he said, adding that he understands that not every citizen will have the possibility to join it, but support for the strike can also be expressed in other ways. ko/df