Matovic: Slovakia Devastated by Huge Budgetary Deficits after Two Years

Bratislava, October 25 (TASR) - Slovakia is devastated by huge budgetary deficits after two years, 'Slovakia' party leader and ex-premier Igor Matovic told a news conference on Saturday, dedicated to an evaluation of the two years of Premier Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) government. Matovic claims that the government's three consolidation packages have had no effect and asks how much foreign investment the government has managed to attract. "They told us that we have to be modest for public finances to improve. The reality is that every year they make a 75 percent higher state-budget deficit than we did during the biggest crises," stated Matovic. He claims that "people will pay €7 billion more into the budget next year," which contradicts Fico's election promises that "he won't take money from the people." 'Slovakia-For the People' caucus head Michal Sipos pointed to Slovakia's lagging behind Poland in economic terms. "While Poles used to have lower salaries than Slovaks, they have overtaken us today. Food in Slovakia is 40 percent more expensive, GDP growth is four times lower, and Polish infrastructure is at an incomparably higher level," stated Sipos. The party also criticised the government for what it views as destroying the principles of the rule of law. "While corrupt people ended up in prison under our government, Fico's cabinet reduces their sentences and protects them," stated Sipos. Matovic added that the benevolence of the Penal Code also leads to lower tax collection and an increase in tax evasion. Matovic called Fico's actions in foreign politics a global shame. "Instead of cooperating with people who are important to us and with partners, he is collaborating with Russians, with dictators, causing us international shame (...), since with any investment, investors check whether it is safe to put money into that country," he noted. ko