President: I'm Ready to Accept Peter Kmec's Resignation

Bratislava, 17 November (TASR) - I'm prepared to accept the resignation of Vice-Premier for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) when I receive information on whether to appoint another minister to head the Vice-Premier's Office in his place or once his successor is known, President Peter Pellegrini told a briefing on Monday. "Of course, I'm prepared to offer a partial alternative, which means first accepting the resignation while a successor is sought, appointing a member of the government as is customary, and then, once the coalition agrees on a successor, I'll appoint him," said Pellegrini, adding that he doesn't intend to delay or obstruct the process. Pellegrini expects that the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Kmec will establish a certain political culture and that people will be more aware of whether Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) applies the same standards to other cases of potential misconduct or suspicion. "But we'll have to wait and see whether the prime minister will be as tough on the misconduct of his own nominees," added the head of state. Kmec resigned on Saturday (15 November) following the criticism levied by the opposition and the media concerning calls to support science, research, and innovation totalling around €200 million. The criticsm was focused in particular on the connection between the selected companies and the Voice-SD party. However, Kmec didn't admit to any major mistakes. At a press conference, he said that he was leaving to protect the reputation of the Voice-SD party, Slovakia and industry. am/df