Voice-SD Backs Buying 17-percent Share in SE to Give State Majority

Bratislava, 30 April (TASR) – The coalition Voice-SD party will support the idea of Slovakia acquiring a 17-percent stake in energy utility Slovenske elektrarne (SE), which together with the state's existing 34-percent share would give it a majority in the strategic company, party leader and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated at a press conference on Thursday. Sutaj Estok recalled the party's pre-election pledge to strengthen the state's position in key enterprises. "That is why we want to state clearly that Voice, within the coalition agreement and in discussions among partners, will support acquiring the remaining 17-percent stake in Slovenske elektrarne so that the state will gain a majority position in SE. We see this as key for Slovakia's future and energy self-sufficiency," said Sutaj Estok. The state will have the option to purchase the 17-percent stake after the launch of the fourth block of the nuclear power plant in Mochovce. Support for the move was also expressed last week by Prime Minister Robert Fico, leader of the senior coalition party Smer-SD. According to Sutaj Estok, Voice-SD also wants to keep another pledge - that politicians should respond to living standards by adjusting their salaries. He noted that MPs have already frozen their pay for this year, and the coalition partners have also agreed to freeze ministers' allowances. "Meanwhile, a set of consolidation measures has been adopted, and income tax for ministers has been increased, so our coalition partners didn't consider it important to follow through on this pledge. The fact remains, however, that compared with last year, the total salary that a minister receives is 15 euros [per month] higher," said Sutaj Estok, adding that flat-rate allowances rose by €300. He announced that ministers from Voice-SD will begin contributing this amount each month to a newly established social fund, back-dated as of January of this year. "We'll redistribute this money to people who are struggling today, whether they are severely disabled or people in need who simply require financial assistance," he added, noting the fund will start operating in May. mf/df