SNS Calls on Premier to Replace Slovak Representative on Commission Sefcovic

Bratislava, 23 January (TASR) - The junior coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) has called on Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to adhere to his public statement regarding the need to replace the leadership of the European Union (EU), suggesting the replacement of the Slovak representative on the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic, as the first specific step to be taken in this regard, SNS spokesperson Zuzana Skopcova informed TASR on Friday. "The Slovak premier has repeatedly stated that the current EU leadership needs to be replaced. If these words are to mean a real political change, the first logical step should be to replace the Slovak EU commissioner," claimed SNS. It recalled that Sefcovic acted as a defender and representative of EC President Ursula von der Leyen during the recent attempt to dismiss her. According to SNS, Sefcovic is a symbol of the Green Deal policy, which has had negative impacts on Slovakia's industry, energy and living standards. It views it as incomprehensible that Fico proposed Sefcovic as a representative of Slovakia and the Slovak government in the Commission. "If Robert Fico is serious about his statements concerning the need to replace the European Commission, the Slovak government must decide at its next session to change its representation in this institution. Slovakia can't afford to say one thing at the international level but do something else," stated the party. SNS believes that it's high time to act on behalf of Slovakia with character, in a consistent manner and in accordance with public statements. Fico said before an extraordinary European Council summit in Brussels on Thursday (22 January) that the European Union shouldn't be ignored, but Slovakia shouldn't be complicit in its incompetent leadership. He stated that he supports the EU and appreciates the positive impact that Slovakia's EU membership has had on its development. ko/df