Voice-SD: Slovakia Avoided Bankruptcy Thanks to Consolidation (2)

Bratislava, 25 September (TASR) – Without the adoption of consolidation measures, Slovakia would have found itself on the so-called Greek path – the path to bankruptcy, Voice-SD chair Matus Sutaj Estok stated at a press conference on Thursday. Sutaj Estok underlined that, if bankrupt, the state would have been unable to pay out pensions, provide assistance to mothers, or deliver social benefits to the most vulnerable. „Simply put, Slovakia would have gone bankrupt. Therefore, if we want to be a responsible government – and Voice has always declared its intention to be a responsible member of this coalition – it was necessary for us to adopt a set of measures that we agreed upon over several months through various compromises with our coalition partners," Sutaj Estok explained. In this context, the party chairman thanked Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD) for constructive dialogue, calling him the architect of the consolidation. He also expressed gratitude to coalition partners for always respecting the positions of Voice-SD. His party colleague and House Chair Richard Rasi highlighted the freezing of MPs’ salaries along with a 10-percent tax increase compared to ordinary citizens. „This initiative regarding MPs’ salaries came from our parliamentary club, and I want to thank my fellow MPs for that," added Rasi. Rasi also criticised the behaviour of 'Slovakia' party leader Igor Matovic during Wednesday’s (24 September) parliamentary session on the consolidation measures. He spoke of vulgar language and aggression from representatives of 'Slovakia'. He announced that a proposal will be introduced under which any MP using vulgar language would be fined the equivalent of their entire salary. NOTE: This story has been updated to include paragraphs 5-7 mf