Monitor: Kalinak: We'll Do Our Utmost to Continue Presov Hospital Project

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 2 May) The construction of the military hospital in Presov will not be halted, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) declared on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues), pledging to accelerate work within weeks and seek the most responsible contractors. According to Kalinak, a rough estimate of damages cannot yet be made and will only be known after an expert assessment. Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) vice-chair Viliam Karas, also on the show, responded that every delay in construction has a cost and someone must pay for it. "We moved quickly after construction of the fourth floor began and started work on additional floors. Within a few days it became clear there was a problem. The site management reacted very decisively and halted construction," Kalinak said. He added that an expert report due early next week will determine whether some columns can be repaired or must be demolished, detailing that the issue concerns only the upper section. He also noted the project could be delayed by three to four months. KDH expects Kalinak to hold a press conference next week outlining the reasons for the suspension, Karas said. He added it is necessary to identify responsibility, consequences and who will bear the costs. "It is in Slovakia’s interest for the construction to continue," he noted. The politicians also discussed a subsidy case involving the civic association Projekt Forum linked to Marta Simeckova. Christian Democrats expect the Progressive Slovakia (PS) party and its leader Michal Simecka to clearly distance themselves from any fraud, plagiarism or misuse of public funds. Kalinak argued that PS has lived off subsidies for decades and that it is now becoming apparent how they used them to their benefit. Kalinak also said that Hungarian election winner Peter Magyar had been invited during initial talks for an official visit to Slovakia. "It depends on Magyar what relations with Slovakia will look like. We are in a status quo. The rights of the Hungarian minority are above standard compared to all other countries where they live," he claimed. Karas said he regretted that Magyar continues campaigning even after his election victory. He expects responsibility for stability and good relations from both the Hungarian and Slovak sides. Karas welcomed what he described as a fair sentence for Juraj Cintula, who shot Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in Handlova, saying the verdict came quickly by Slovak standards. He also praised the quality of the trial and the right to defence, calling it a signal to society. While pluralism and differing opinions are appropriate, he said it is unacceptable for differences to lead to verbal or physical attacks. Kalinak agreed, calling for efforts to ease tensions and restore calm. He added that the coalition will discuss with the entire Parliament a proposed constitutional law to allow shortening the electoral term by referendum. According to Karas, KDH expects strong dialogue on the issue. Karas also said that Milan Majersky, a candidate for the Presov regional governor, has no competition and will win the autumn election, defending his post. mf