PS Urges Minister Taraba to Convene Crisis Team Over Drought

Bratislava, 7 May (TASR) - Slovakia has experienced the driest April in recorded history and while the Slovak Hydrometeorological Office (SHMU) warns that half of the country is facing significant drought, Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (SNS nominee) is organising celebratory press conferences, posting appealing videos on social media and recording his well-known podcast, without mentioning the drought at all, opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) MP Tamara Stohlova warned on Wednesday. According to Stohlova, who serves as the chair of the House Agriculture and Environment Committee, Taraba is not only failing to act, but is doing the exact opposite of what he should be doing. Progressive Slovakia is calling on the minister to immediately initiate the convening of a crisis staff to address the drought situation. "The situation is worsening, the forecast is negative and running water may no longer be taken for granted. Minister Taraba is systematically gambling with strategic drinking water resources across Slovakia," Stohlova said. She pointed to what she described as weakened protection of the Starina water source during the zoning of the Poloniny National Park, threats to the Malinec drinking water reservoir linked to the construction of a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant, and the Vrakuna landfill site, which she said endangers drinking water reserves on Zitny Ostrov. "Taraba must act. He should finally start behaving like a deputy prime minister and minister responsible for these matters. I call on him to immediately convene a crisis staff, where all parties affected by the drought can coordinate and propose solutions," Stohlova added. PS MP Michal Sabo pointed that when the current government took office, it claimed it would be more professional and responsible. "When drought caused feed crop failures in 2022, €50 million was allocated to help farmers. Smer-SD complained loudly at the time. Today, not only Taraba but also Agriculture Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) remain silent. Yet when Slovakia is facing a drought unlike anything anyone can remember, we are met with a wall of silence," Sabo said. Sabo also warned of possible food price increases. "It is not difficult to conclude that with low harvests, food will not become cheaper. This is not only about crops, but also about water supplies and public safety. I join the call for the immediate convening of a crisis staff. The situation is too serious for us to lose even another day through inaction," he added. mf