SaS Criticises Use of SAFE Tool to Procure Arms without Tenders

Bratislava, 28 November (TASR) - The opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has criticised the use of a loan from the European Security Ammunition Support for Europe (SAFE) tool for procuring arms without tenders and transparency, MP Juraj Krupa (SaS) told a news conference on Friday. Krupa also criticised the plan to produce artillery ammunition in Slovakia worth some €58 billion. Even after Slovakia's production capacities were doubled, such production would take 30 or 40 years, he said. "Or to produce Bozena mine-sweapers for €145 million. Each Bozena costs some €500,000-600,000. How many Bozenas will we have? Are we going to dig out the whole of Slovakia with them?" he asked. The MP also noted that in line with a document approved by the government, the purchase of assault rifles should cost €85 million excluding VAT. "We pointed out that it would be some €100 million. [Defence Minister] Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) then held a press conference at which he mocked us, pretending that we didn't know what we were talking about. He claimed that it would be some €20, maybe €30 million. And now this document states that the purchase of assault rifles will cost €85 million excluding VAT, i.e. over €100 million," stated Krupa. At its session on Wednesday (26 November), the government decided that purchases of weapons or vehicles for the army will be co-financed through a loan from SAFE. The Defence Ministry plans to use the entire amount allocated for Slovakia's defence, potentially borrowing more than €2.3 billion. In total, SAFE will fully or partly finance nine investment projects. ko/df