PS Calls FPU's Scrapping of Valid Contracts for Multi-year Projects Unlawful

Bratislava, 19 March (TASR) - The scrapping of valid contracts worth approximately €2 million for multi-year projects by the Council of the Arts Support Fund (FPU) is in conflict with the law, opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) MP Zora Jaurova told a press conference on Thursday, adding that the contracts involve roughly 40 projects, including festivals, cultural centres and magazines. Jaurova said that applicants had been granted support based on valid three-year contracts running until 2026 or 2027. She explained that these multi-year grants are highly effective and desirable in that they guarantee the continuity of cultural activities and better development in Slovak regions. According to Jaurova, FPU signed identical amendments to contracts last year. "Applicants with these multi-year grants naturally rely on such support because it's legally binding; they plan their activities and make commitments based on it," she added. "At yesterday's council session, Mr [Matus] Olha, chairman of the FPU Council, suddenly proposed scrapping all these projects without any legal arguments, just because, in his opinion they are in conflict with the law," said Jaurova, adding that such conduct makes no sense at all in reference to the law on FPU. She stated that the decision violated the rights of the applicants, adding that they are ready to defend themselves by all legal means, while the costs of such lawsuits will be borne by FPU. "In other words, public funds and money intended for supporting culture will be used for court fees, sanctions, fines and damages," said Jaurova, calling on Olha to make a public pledge that he will personally pay for any costs to be borne by FPU due to the decision made by its council. jrg/df