Monitor: Sutaj Estok Hopes Voice-SD Will Propose Replacement for Kmec Soon

(TA3,'V politike', 16 November) Speaking on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday, Interior Minister and Voice-SD party leader Matus Sutaj Estok said his party is currently discussing possible candidates to replace Vice-premier for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy Peter Kmec, hoping that the proposed candidate will be announced soon. Opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka noted that Kmec's resignation from his post confirmed the suspicions surrounding the research, development and innovation calls. Rejecting Simecka's claims, the minister said Kmec's departure was a sign of political culture, as he doesn't want to be part of the government after losing trust of Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). Even though Sutaj Estok respects Fico's proposal to dismiss Kmec, he does not understand it. "The prime minister decided to make a public gesture, which I still do not understand, and I don't even know what it was supposed to mean," he said, adding that Kmec was prepared to step down and had communicated with Fico about further steps. The minister also called on Fico to treat all ministers equally, pointing to Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee) who offered his resignation to Fico recently, but the prime minister declined. Until Voice-SD chooses its candidate to replace Kmec, a government member from Voice-SD will take up the vacancy. "I will discuss it with the prime minister," added Sutaj Estok. Simecka said he doesn't understand Kmec's resignation if he claimed there was nothing wrong with the calls, calling the results a "dirty deal" through which Voice-SD wanted to satisfy its donors. He also noted that Voice-SD has been bossed around by Fico for a long time and criticised Sutaj Estok for not being able to stand up to him as party leader. In response to coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) urging Fico to end cooperation with his adviser [and former minister of foreign affairs (2012-20)] Miroslav Lajcak over his communication with US financier Jeffrey Epstein, Sutaj Estok said the decision rests with the prime minister, but he doesn't believe Lajcak's entire career should be questioned because of that communication. Simecka replied that this is not a minor issue. In his view, Fico should demand an explanation from Lajcak and, if suspicions are confirmed, Lajcak should step down. He also criticised Fico for his discussion with students in Poprad (Presov region) on Friday (14 November). "He has no right to lecture them and arrogantly send them to fight in Ukraine," stated Simecka, adding that he does not consider it right for students to be interrogated by police over their views. Sutaj Estok stressed that the goal was to have a discussion with the public and criticised Simecka for having a double standard when it comes to judging opinions expressed in foul language. Simecka called on people to take part in Monday's gathering to commemorate 17 November. Sutaj Estok appealed for people to behave respectfully at the event. jrg