Sutaj Estok: Voice-SD Would Quit Coalition If 13th Pensions Were Touched

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 9 May) Voice-SD would immediately quit the governing coalition if any of its partners sought to cut 13th pensions, Interior Minister and Voice-SD leader Matus Sutaj Estok said on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues). Meanwhile, his opponent on the show, MP and opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka views the 13th pensions in their current form as unsustainable for the state budget. "We'll end up in bankruptcy and then there won't be money for seven pensions, not even for 13," warned Simecka. He said that PS supports making 13th pensions more targeted. At the same time, it opines that the cost of 13th pensions could be halved. Sutaj Estok claimed that Voice-SD is the only party on the political spectrum that will keep on fighting for pensioners. The discussion also touched on the case involving the Project Forum NGO, in which Simecka's mother, Marta Simeckova, is an authorised representative. Simecka in this context noted that he's not afraid that the case could influence this year's local elections to the detriment of the current opposition. When asked whether he should resign as PS leader over the case involving his mother, Simecka replied that this case concerns neither PS, nor himself and he has no reason to take responsibility for the actions of his adult parents. Conversely, Sutaj Estok thinks that the case does concern Progresive Slovakia. He also reproached Simecka, saying that if a similar case involved someone linked to the governing coalition, "Simecka would personally scream". At the same time, the interior minister sees no reason for the government reshuffle. Sutaj Estok stated that there's no ground for him to make any changes among his ministers. "If the coalition partners decide otherwise, it is up to them and they can rearrange matters within their positions as they need to," added Sutaj Estok. ko