Let's Stop Corruption: PM Fico Lies About Marta Simeckova's Case

Bratislava, 27 April (TASR) – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) lies with respect to the subsidy case of an association linked to Marta Simeckova, the Let's Stop Corruption Foundation declared on Monday, adding that its article highlighted also several findings unfavourable to Simeckova. Foundation's communications specialist Norbert Chomistek stated that Simeckova's association Projekt Forum did not file financial statements or tax returns after 2021. According to the foundation's calculations, it faces suspicions totalling €140,000. A financial transaction took place between the non-profit and Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka, which was explained as a loan, it added. "Attacks by Robert Fico are therefore understandable. We published information that would have served him better in political messaging ahead of the election," the foundation said. At the same time, it underlined that its investigative work also uncovered suspicions from which the prime minister is trying to divert attention. "And that is that investigators from the Financial Administration acted beyond their powers. When our suspicions are supported by evidence, we always publish them, regardless of whom they concern. We have repeatedly come into conflict in the past with several current opposition politicians over this policy as well," the organisation added. According to findings published by the foundation, the Criminal Office of the Financial Administration examined the finances of several associations despite lacking the authority to do so, and Projekt Forum was among them. Simecka believes investigators, acting on political orders, screened and hacked into the accounts of the civic association and those of his mother. He says he provided the association with a loan of €5,200, of which €5,000 was later repaid. The Financial Administration responded that the foundation's claims are untrue, describing them as inaccurate, distorted and deliberately misleading. It said it would take legal steps in the matter, including filing a criminal complaint. The prime minister claimed that never in Slovakia's history has an anti-corruption foundation protected a person suspected of a subsidy fraud. He maintains that the alleged fraud committed by the mother of PS leader Michal Simecka was discovered during audits by ministries. mf