Voice-SD and SNS: Not Supporting Migal in Ouster Attempt Was Meant as Warning

Bratislava, 10 February (TASR) - MPs from junior coalition parties Voice-SD and the Slovak National Party (SNS) didn't vote against the ouster of Investment and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent), as they didn't register for the no-confidence vote that Migal survived because the opposition lacked the required majority, representatives of both parties stated after the vote held in Parliament earlier on Tuesday. "As we've already announced, we didn't express no-confidence in Minister Migal, but neither did we or the SNS MPs register for the vote, meaning this as a 'warning finger' concerning what's going on at the ministry," explained House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD). He reiterated that Migal was installed as minister last year after leaving Voice-SD. He was nominated by the senior coalition Smer-SD party as part of a reshuffle to resolve internal disputes in the coalition. According to Rasi, the move was intended to warn Migal that he and his ministry will be under scrutiny. "The 'warning finger' means that we weren't opposed to the no-confidence motion against Minister Migal, and we'll see what happens next. If things keep going in the way that they have done, there will be consequences," added Rasi. "We've always said that no government members would be dismissed, but right from the start there have also been hints that not all ministers or members of the government are likely to receive all coalition votes against dismissal, and that's exactly what's happened," said SNS caucus chair Roman Michelko. According to Michelko, the party prefers government stability and doesn't intend to rock the boat, despite having reservations about Migal. "But it's a gesture indicating that we're not fully satisfied with the work of some people," added Michelko. jrg/df