SaS Calls for Emergency House Session to Oust SIS Director Gaspar

Bratislava, 13 October (TASR) – Opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) is seeking to convene a special emergency parliamentary session over the car accident involving director of the Slovak Information Service (SIS) Pavol Gaspar, TASR learnt on Monday. The party has started collecting signatures from MPs to initiate the session. At a press conference, SaS chairman Branislav Groehling stated that there is a camera recording of the incident in which the police have allegedly shown no interest. "We're initiating an emergency special session with a single agenda item – a resolution calling on the government and Parliament to dismiss Pavol Gaspar from his post as SIS director. We'll collect signatures from our partners," said Groehling. MP Martina Bajo Holeckova (SaS) claimed that the police haven't questioned director of the Nitra Police Directorate Branislav Hajnovic as a witness, even though he appeared at the scene in civilian clothing. According to her, other witnesses haven't been questioned, either, and the police haven't requested available camera footage. "This footage might show who was at fault and how fast Gaspar was driving," she noted. MP Maria Kolikova from SaS pointed out that the president is the disciplinary authority over the SIS chief. Even if the police clarify the circumstances of the accident, she believes that the matter should ultimately be addressed by President Peter Pellegrini. "He's the one who can immediately ensure not only political accountability and initiate dismissal, but at least start disciplinary proceedings," remarked Kolikova. Gaspar was involved in a car accident on Dobsinskeho Street in Nitra in August, when two vehicles collided. A minor sustained light injuries in the crash. Both drivers underwent breath tests for alcohol, with negative results. The incident is currently under police investigation. mf/df