Drucker: I'll Make Decisions on Innovation Calls and NITC Based on Facts

Bratislava, 8 December (TASR) - I'll make decisions on controversial innovation calls and the National Innovation and Technology Centre (NITC) based solely on facts, Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD), who has been tasked with managing the the Office of the Vice-Premier for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy, stated on Monday following a meeting of the parliamentary committee for economic affairs, which dealt with these issues. "I participated today in a meeting of the House committee for economic affairs, where I clearly and openly presented the position of the Office of the Vice-Premier for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy on innovation calls and the National Innovation and Technology Centre (NITC) project. I guarantee that all processes will undergo thorough and uncompromising scrutiny," said Drucker. The acting vice-premier wants to make decisions based solely on facts, verification results, and in accordance with the law, not under political pressure or based on impressions. "I'll provide the public and the media with complete, accurate, and understandable information. I'll do so openly and transparently, without shortcuts or omissions," he added. A parliamentary inquiry will be conducted at the Office of the Vice-Premier for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy into the controversial purchase of the former Voderady outlet near Trnava from state funds. Opposition MPs criticised in particular what they considered to be an exaggerated price for the property, but also the method of payment, which they claimed had no basis in law. Former head of the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) rejected the criticism and argued, among other things, with an expert opinion. According to him, the property in Voderady is worth €19.3 million. However, NITC acquired the area for €16.9 million. MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-'For the People') pointed out that in 2021, the real estate company acquired the property for €5 million. am