Monitor: Sutaj Estok: Disciplinary Proceedings against SIS Head in Line with Law

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 31 January) Disciplinary proceedings initiated by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini against Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) head Pavol Gaspar regarding his last year's traffic accident are in line with the law, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) stated on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues). His opponent on the show, House vice-chair Martin Dubeci of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party, agreed that the commencement of disciplinary proceedings in this matter was appropriate. However, he thinks that Gaspar should be dismissed as SIS head for other reasons. Dubeci welcomed the fact that the accident has been investigated and that no persons have suffered serious injuries, though he described the length of the investigation as "strange". Sutaj Estok remarked that accidents such as that of Gaspar are common in Slovakia, while he expects Gaspar's salary to be reduced as a result of the disciplinary proceedings. They also discussed the recent amendment to Parliament's Rules of Procedure. "We need to bring normality and decency back into politics. If someone cannot behave properly in Parliament, the rules of proper conduct must be clearly defined," said Sutaj Estok, adding that the coalition's goal is that Parliament should function effectively and pass legislation for the people's benefit. Dubeci said he didn't understand why speaking time had to be adjusted and expressed concern that the approved code of ethics for MPs could be interpreted one-sidedly. According to him, PS considers challenging the amendment before the Constitutional Court. jrg