Fico Not Interested in Moving into State-provided Housing

Borsa/Bratislava, 24 September (TASR) – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said on Wednesday that he has no interest in moving into state-provided housing, as he currently lives in his own flat and is content there. Speaking at a press conference following an away-from-home session of the government in the village of Borsa (Kosice region), Fico claimed that relocation would be inconvenient for him. "I have no interest in living in a house. Nevertheless, Mr. reporter – and this must be said to the public – the law applies. Note that I did not pass that law. It states that the highest constitutional officials are entitled to furnished housing," said the prime minister in response to a journalist's question. According to Fico, he doesn't know what property the Interior Ministry has purchased, but he welcomed the fact that the state owns property, noting that other entities, such as foreign embassies, often seek to rent such real estate. House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice–SD), has also publicly declined state housing. As he only stays in Bratislava during the working week, a commercial rental is sufficient for him, and he currently uses such accommodation. He told reporters that he wouldn't move unless explicitly ordered to, but he believes that the villa designated for him will still find appropriate use. The Interior Ministry has confirmed for TASR that it's purchased a property in Bratislava to provide protection for one of the country's three top constitutional officials. Ministry spokesperson Matej Neumann didn't disclose how much has been spent on housing for the president, parliamentary chair and prime minister, citing an exemption under the Freedom of Information Act. Slovak Radio's news programme reported on Monday (22 September) that the ministry purchased a property in Bratislava several months ago. On Wednesday, it published further findings indicating that the ministry may have acquired an additional high-end property. The entitlement to state-secured housing was granted to the top three officials following the adoption of the so-called 'Lex Assassination' law, which was introduced in response to last year's attack on Prime Minister Fico. mf/df