SaS: Kmec's Dismissal Proves that Voice Ministers Are Most Corrupt in Government

Bratislava, 14 November (TASR) - The opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party considers Friday's decision by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to dismiss Vice-premier Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) as clear proof that Voice-SD ministers are the most corrupt ministers in this government. SaS responded to the premier's statement on social media that he'll ask President Peter Pellegrini to oust Kmec. "After [ex-health minister] Zuzana Dolinkova, this is another Voice minister who has to leave. Kmec also abused his post. This confirms what we've been warning about - where Voice rules, public funds disappear," said SaS chairman Branislav Groehling. "Even the prime minister couldn't ignore the case of the distribution of €200 million among companies linked to Voice-SD, friends and advisors of the president, and party sponsors. We call on the president to act immediately and approve the proposal to dismiss Kmec without delay," added Groehling. MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia' - 'For the People' caucus) described the premier's decision as a success for the opposition. "However, dismissing Peter Kmec is not enough, as he managed to sign contracts worth €60 million. The contracts must be terminated, the stolen money returned, and the masterminds behind this scandal brought to justice. That's why we're also filing a criminal complaint and will demand that those responsible be held accountable," said Remisova. Several opposition parties announced on Friday that they are filing criminal complaints with respect to research and development grant calls issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy, headed by Peter Kmec (Voice–SD). A criminal complaint by Progressive Slovakia (PS) focuses on three main suspicions: misuse of power by a public official, accepting a bribe, and bribery by an unknown perpetrator or perpetrators. Alena Sabelova, the State Secretary for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy, stated on Friday that a review will begin for the innovation calls and that all future scenarios remain open. Speaking during a meeting with journalists attended by representatives of companies successful in the innovation calls, she confirmed that contracts with companies have been suspended. She again rejected accusations of non-transparency. am