Michal Kalinak: Law on Chief Auditors Necessary

Bratislava, 3 October (TASR) – Interior Ministry's State Secretary Michal Kalinak has underlined the need for a law governing chief auditors in local government, as the application practice continues to reveal growing problems, the ministry's spokesperson Matej Neumann told TASR on Friday, adding that a working group is to be set up for this purpose. Regarding the position of chief auditors in local government, Kalinak held a number of meetings with chief auditors' associations at the municipality level and at the level of self-governing regions during the summer. Furthermore, his discussions with the representatives of the Prosecutor General's Office and the Supreme Audit Office also confirmed the relevance of a dedicated law. According to Neumann, the legislation in this area is currently split between two laws. Neumann said the ministry intends to set up a working group to address the issue and prepare new legislation, adding that all professional organisations of chief auditors, the Prosecutor General's Office, the House constitutional and legal affairs committee and relevant ministries have been invited to take part. According to Neumann, new legislation would bring greater transparency and expertise, thus ensuring high quality of audits in towns and municipalities. "This is a very important issue that must be accompanied by proper discussion. That's why I expect that, during the autumn, we will present draft changes, along with justification why audits in municipalities and self-governing regions deserve a reform," said Kalinak jrg