Danko: State Has Tools to Keep Fuel Prices Under Control

(TA3,'V politike', 15 March) The government keeps an eye on fuel prices in Slovakia, which are still among the lowest in Europe, coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) chairman Andrej Danko said on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday, adding that the state has the tools to help citizens if necessary. "The prices will either be capped or subsidised. The state has the tools and the finances to cover it. Slovakia will take care of its citizens," said Danko. He pointed out that the whole problem arose as a result of the attacks on Iran and the subsequent sharp rise in global oil prices, adding that Slovakia can't directly influence this situation. "A solution must be sought, and the only solution is for the conflict with Iran to end. And if not, then Trump and Putin will come to an agreement and resolve it. Because if it starts affecting American citizens, Trump won't risk it. We don't decide on such big things, and if global prices skyrocket, we will have to endure it," stated Danko. His opponent on the show, Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka said that people in Slovakia are legitimately worried about higher petrol and diesel prices. "They can barely make ends meet from month to month because of high levies, transaction tax and VAT. And Mr. Danko tells them that there is nothing we can do about it and that things will get better when Trump and Putin reach an agreement," stated the PS leader. According to Simecka, Slovakia has the tools to help people. "But that would mean, for example, not leaving €600 million to the Slovnaft refinery, which avoided the windfall profit tax in 2023 and 2024 and makes enormous profits on Russian oil. Slovak consumers, Slovak drivers and the Slovak [state] budget get nothing from this. Instead, we are effectively subsidising the Hungarian budget and the Hungarian shareholders of MOL," stated Simecka. ko