KDH Chair Calls on Premier to Do His Bit to Protect Slovak Industry

Bratislava, 15 October (TASR) - Slovak industry, especially the automotive one, is facing another threat after China last week announced its plan to restrict exports of rare earths, and as Slovakia is an automotive power in terms of population, chairman of the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) Milan Majersky expects Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to do his bit to protect the country's interests, the party stated on Wednesday. "The citizens of Slovakia need hope and prosperity after drastic consolidation measures. The livelihoods of at least a quarter of a million people in Slovakia who work in the car industry is now at stake," said Majersky, pointing out that Premier Fico spoke of the automotive industry as the backbone of Europe. "Now he has the opportunity to show leadership and demonstrate a constructive approach. If he really cares about the future of the Slovak economy, let him take action," said Majersky. The KDH chairman stressed that Slovakia can only be helped by strengthening unity and partnership with its true allies. "I call on the prime minister to initiate a discussion on the protection of industry at the next meeting of the European Council on 23 October. And not only that - to come up with specific constructive solutions at the same time," emphasised Majersky. Rare earths are essential input materials for a wide range of industrial products and processes. Last week, Beijing announced its intention to restrict their export. Back in April of this year, it significantly tightened the conditions for exporting seven of them. This has begun to seriously disrupt EU industry and in May, 17 car assembly lines were temporarily shut down. According to KDH, export controls on rare earths mustn't be used a tool of Chinese trade policy and coercion. The opposition party stressed that international security must be protected and a level playing field must be ensured at global level with clearly defined rules. Trade in raw materials should also be based on genuinely beneficial partnerships. am/df