Police Launch Criminal Proceedings Against Macov Mayor

Macov/Bratislava, 4 February (TASR) - Police have launched criminal proceedings against the mayor of the village of Macov in the Trnava region, Lubomir Baka, on suspicion of falsifying and altering a public document, official seal, official closure, official emblem and official mark, it follows from a statement provided to TASR by Trnava regional police spokesperson Veronika Dachova on Wednesday. No charges have been brought so far. Baka said he was unaware of any investigation in such a case and rejected any wrongdoing in his comments to TASR. Village council members have accused the mayor of several failures. Most recently, they imposed a fine equal to his annual salary, which he claims is unlawful. The police spokesperson added that the proceedings were launched following a complaint. "As preparatory proceedings are under way and these are non-public, it is not possible to provide further details," Dachova said. She added that the Dunajska Streda district investigator has also received two criminal complaints over suspected breach of duties in the management of entrusted property. Two councillors have also issued a public call for Baka to step down. They accuse him of several instances of wrongdoing, including what they describe as unlawful bonuses exceeding 20,000 euros and a refusal to provide bank statements for inspection. "We call on Mayor Lubomir Baka to assume personal responsibility and resign immediately. We consider this step the only legitimate solution to the crisis that has arisen, allowing the protection of the public interest and the financial stability of the village of Macov," councillors Adrian Chovaniak and Julius Vegh wrote in a letter to residents. Asked by TASR, Baka said he does not plan to resign. For now, he also does not plan to run again in the autumn municipal elections. He told TASR he rejects the allegations. "Over time, he has already made up so many things [a village councillor whom Baka did not name—ed. note]. And he continues doing that," Baka said, adding that he has refuted many "fabrications" in the past. Baka also confirmed that the village council imposed a fine equal to 12 monthly salaries. He said he would not sign the minutes, considers the fine unlawful and will refer the matter to the prosecutor's office. mf