KDH: Slovakia Growing Poorer Under Fico's Government

Bratislava, 28 October (TASR) – Slovakia is becoming poorer under the government of Robert Fico (Smer-SD), said Milan Majersky, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) when assessing two years of the current administration on Tuesday. Majersky accused the government of taking money from families, the self-employed, employers, employees and local authorities, and he called for a democratic change of government, claiming that KDH represents a viable alternative. "The [2023 election] promises of the governing coalition, that there would be cheap food, that people would live better, more safely and peacefully, haven't been kept. People are neither better off, nor safer, nor at peace, and life isn't good for them," stated Majersky at a press conference. He argued that the government behaves as if "the end of the world were coming tomorrow", criticising what he called the reckless spending of public funds. "Money is always found for expensive cars, state secretaries, new ministries, extended procurements," he said, adding that ministers are in the grip of lobby groups. MP Jozef Hajko (KDH) also criticised what he described as poor financial management by the state, claiming that the government is incapable of restoring public finances. "The public-finance deficit has been above 5 percent each year of its term, and it will again exceed 5 percent this year. I fear that if the government continues as before, the same will happen next year," he commented, also warning of rising debt and the flight of investors from the market. KDH vice-chair Viliam Karas pointed to an erosion of justice and criticised changes to the Criminal Code, claiming that the government has created an atmosphere of impunity for criminals. He also mentioned an increase in thefts, but welcomed the recent amendment to the Slovak Constitution, noting that the Christian Democrats contributed to that change. Karas stressed that KDH remains the only conservative and values-based party and voiced concern over the proposed reform of civil law, which he believes contradicts the Constitution and its principles in several respects. "We'll negotiate firmly and decisively not only with the justice minister and the ministry but also with the Slovak government and the prime minister," he announced. The Christian Democrats also drew attention to what they called the deterioration of culture, health care, education and agriculture. "In two years, Robert Fico's government has achieved record numbers – in terms of the brain drain and the loss of talent abroad. It literally repels and drives away our children and young people, not only to study but to live and work abroad," said MP Jan Horecky (KDH), who also criticised recent education ministry proposals approved by Parliament. mf/df