Fico: Battery Plant in Surany Is Correct Decision

Bratislava/Surany, 28 October (TASR) - The battery plant in Surany (Nitra region) is a correct and forward-looking decision, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said during the official launch of the construction of an electric vehicle battery plant on Tuesday. "You are coming to a country with the lowest unemployment rate in its history. You are coming to a country where inflation is still lower compared to other EU countries. You are coming to a country where real wages are growing, because wage growth exceeds that of inflation. And above all, you are coming to a country whose results are perceived abroad in a different way than here in Slovakia," he said. Fico recalled that his previous governments were making forward-looking decisions even when not in line with the prevailing opinion at the time, such as the decision to continue the construction of the Mochovce nuclear power plant as the best instrument for meeting the climate goals. He added that the battery cell production plant in Surany was a correct and forward-looking decision as well. "Many warned us, including in the EU, when we spoke about this project before 2023 and also before this government was formed. Don't do it, they said, it's dangerous for your country. Now the European Commission is all of a sudden coming forward with an official programme to support battery production for electric vehicles worth more than €8 billion," said Fico. He underlined that the gigafactory project was possible only because the government pursues a sovereign foreign policy "in all cardinal directions". "All the plans we have set together, along with mutual political support, will ensure that the deadlines will be met in 2027," he said, adding that representatives of the government and the investor will meet regularly to monitor progress and address any problems the project may bring. "Many may not see it this way, but I congratulate this region on such a major investment, as it will bring amazing opportunities not only for local people, but also for businesses and for better life in this region," concluded Fico. The battery cell production plant will be built on a 94-hectare site. In the initial development phase, its capacity will be 20 gigawatt-hours, which may be expanded to 40 gigawatt-hours later. Around 1,300 jobs will be created in the first phase, and, following an expansion in the second phase, the plant's headcount is expected to increase to 3,500 employees. jrg