Opposition Slams Debate Limit on Gambling Law Amendment

Bratislava, 22 October (TASR) – The opposition criticised the decision to limit parliamentary debate on the amendment to the Gambling Act, after Parliament approved on Wednesday a procedural motion submitted by the ruling coalition to cap the discussion on the issue at 12 hours. "Minister (of Tourism and Sports) Rudolf Huliak (independent) turned everything upside down in his speech. The fact that the debate on the fast-tracked legislative process was cut short is, in our view, a gross violation of parliamentary rules. Likewise, limiting the debate during the first reading. This is simply a bill through which the state wants to take over gambling operations, which we are strongly opposed to. We believe this only serves the business interests of a few people with ties to the state," stated opposition MP Marian Caucik (KDH). Parliament vice-chair Martin Dubeci (Progressive Slovakia) also criticised the procedure. He said the government is "doing the bidding of casino lobbyists." "For some reason, Mr. Huliak showed up and suddenly everyone jumped on board – it has to be approved, and it has to be approved as soon as possible because some licences for certain casinos are about to expire. And that's what is guiding the entire Parliament. I've never experienced anything like it. There have been critical situations, urgent matters, billion-euro issues, but Parliament has never been this efficient – except when it comes to lobbying by casinos," he remarked. Earlier on Wednesday, MPs agreed that debate on the amendment to the Gambling Act will continue until fully discussed in the first reading, even if it means extending the session past 20:00. They also approved limiting the debate to 12 hours, following a proposal by the coalition. Shortly before, Parliament had also approved handling the amendment under a fast-tracked legislative process. mf