Gazovicova: Drucker's Claim That Education Is PM's Priority Hypocritical (2)

Bratislava, 15 January (TASR) - The claim by Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) that education is a priority for the prime minister is hypocritical, with the reality being the opposite, opposition MP and member of the House education committee Tina Gazovicova (Progressive Slovakia) declared on Thursday. She was responding to the minister's remarks at a press conference on Wednesday (14 January). "Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is interested only in abolishing independent institutions and attacking the family of the opposition leader. These are the reasons why he convenes cabinet sessions or press briefings even at weekends. Education interests him only when he can lecture young people on his harmful view of the international order," stated Gazovicova. She also described as hypocritical Drucker's efforts to present himself as a reformer at a time when he is a full-fledged member of the government. She reiterated that she considers 2026 to be a period of uncertainty for education. "Schools that will teach under the new curriculum for the first time have concerns, as do the parents who are set to choose facilities for their children. Many small schools will probably be closed, and private schools will raise their fees in the coming years," she said. She also questioned whether the minister will top up funding for small private nursery schools this year, and she voiced concerns related to children with disabilities and their parents. "Support for them hasn't made it among the priorities of this government. The minister removed barrier-free access from the law, and there are several uncertainties over the provision of support measures. In addition, there is a threat that in August schools will lay off psychologists, special educators and assistants whose contracts paid from EU funds will expire," warned Gazovicova. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final four paragraphs mf/df