Monitor: Drucker: Transformation of UOO Won't Undermine its Role

(JOJ 24,'Politika 24', 30 November ) Changes involving the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (UOO) do not mean its abolition or a threat to its agenda, Education Minister and acting Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and Knowledge-based Economy Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) stated on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday. "I reject fearmongering that this is about abolishing the office. It is a merger of two offices, and the agenda protecting whistleblowers of anti-social behaviour will remain in place," Drucker said. Drucker also rejected suggestions that changing the office into another entity could endanger the drawing of funds from the Recovery Plan, as he does not perceive any threat of sanctions or suspension of payments for Slovakia. "Questions came from the European Commission and we answered them. What everyone wants to know is whether the ongoing and open cases will have continuity, whether this office, or rather the agenda, will continue," Drucker stated. He pointed out that on Friday (28 November) Slovakia submitted its seventh payment request from the Recovery Plan. He said that without the work of former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) and his team, Slovakia would not have submitted either the sixth or the seventh request. He praised Kmec for doing "a good piece of work", including keeping the lines of communication with the European Commission open. The debate also touched on the current situation within the coalition. "Lately I feel as if we have been devoting more time to quarrels," Drucker said. According to him, issues are being addressed that in no way improve people's lives in Slovakia. He repeated that Voice wants to maintain government stability but insists on respecting the coalition agreement and applying "the same yardstick" when drawing political responsibility. Drucker considers it a loss if Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a nominee of Smer-SD) were to leave his post. "Exactly the same loss as when Peter Kmec had to leave. But it is the Prime Minister who decided to use different standards (...). I do not know whether this was under pressure from people or circumstances; he acted hastily," he remarked. As for the future of MP Jan Ferencak (Voice-SD), Drucker said that any potential resignation from the top post of the European Affairs Committee should not be a reason for Ferencak to leave the caucus. Drucker added that such steps would be contrary to the values that Voice upholds. He also admitted that if Ferencak has aspirations to jump ship to Smer-SD, the coalition should resolve the situation "without behind-the-scenes games". mf