Remisova Blasts Move of Security Unit to Building with Russian Ties

Bratislava, 30 March (TASR) - MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People) criticised on Monday the relocation of key security sections of the Interior Ministry to a building with "ties to Russia", calling it highly risky in the current situation. She also considers the lease disadvantageous, claiming the ministry will pay nearly €17 million to a private company based on a telephone survey, and plans to file a motion with the Supreme Audit Authority (NKU). In response, the ministry rejected her statements as misleading. "At a time when all of Europe is facing a major security threat from Russia, politicians from Voice are, under questionable circumstances, relocating one of the key security sections — the crisis management section — to a building with unclear ownership background," Remisova said. She considers this a threat to Slovakia's security interests, noting that the crisis management section oversees the integrated rescue system, civil protection, crisis management, civil emergency planning and the protection of critical infrastructure. Remisova also pointed out that the ministry did not use a standard tender process for the lease and regards the rental terms as unfavourable. She therefore intends to turn to the NKU to examine lease agreements at the Interior Ministry and is also considering filing a motion with law enforcement authorities to investigate whether fundamental state security interests may have been endangered. In response, the Interior Ministry described the MP's claims as misleading, stating that the contract was preceded by a market analysis of available buildings in Bratislava for temporary or permanent lease. During a data update via a telephone survey, the ministry obtained information about the availability of the premises, where the owner was terminating an existing contract. "We requested an offer, compared it with others submitted and assessed it as the most advantageous in terms of location, capacity, price and size," said Interior Ministry spokesperson Matej Neumann, adding that all data are available in the Central Registry of Contracts. The ministry noted that it's not aware of how any building owner could threaten crisis management. It emphasised that ministry buildings are subject to a special regime, the details of which cannot be disclosed. mf