Voice-SD Sees PM Fico's Statements as Acknowledgment of Its Arguments

Bratislava, 23 January (TASR) - The junior coalition Voice-SD party has commented on Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) statement about consolidation, viewing it as an acknowledgment of its long-term arguments, TASR learnt from the party's press department on Friday. According to Voice-SD, consolidation has its gaps, and it's impossible to focus solely on cuts, but the primary focus must be on economic growth and better tax collection. "Today, people don't need politicking or messages via the media; they need real politics for a better life, support for families, security for workers and kickstarting the economy," stated Voice-SD. The party plans to propose measures that will benefit families and help single mothers, or ease the burden faced by entrepreneurs, thereby supporting economic growth. On Thursday (22 January), Fico posted a video on a social network, hinting that the government might not have to prepare another traditional consolidation package in 2026. "If we're going to hell, let it be on a big white horse. So, dear friends, we've entered a pre-election year, and here's what I'm commanding my colleagues and friends in Smer-SD to do: Saddle up that white horse! I'm curious whether our coalition partners from Voice-SD and SNS will join us or continue to ride on a slow donkey safely, way down into opposition, and perhaps oblivion," stated Fico in his video. jrg/df