Fico Not Planning Government Reshuffle, No Reason to Address SNS Proposal

Bratislava, 21 May (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) told a press conference on Thursday that no government reshuffle is being planned and that there's no reason for him to deal directly with a proposal by coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko, who proposed replacing his nominee Tomas Taraba in the post of Environment Minister. The prime minister added that he respects the proposal; but should SNS be more specific and insist on Taraba's dismissal, Fico would demand a guarantee that a functional majority will continue in Parliament. He understands that SNS is dealing with its internal political matters, but the changes mustn't lead to a political crisis or threaten the functioning of the government. According to Fico, Taraba is a capable minister. He confirmed that Danko proposed Taraba's dismissal to him if a government reshuffle takes place, but Fico said that he isn't planning one. "I consider Taraba to be a very capable minister, but for me, the most essential thing is whether the governing coalition will have a majority and whether it will function," stated Fico. If SNS can guarantee that any personnel changes in the government will have no impact on the coalition majority and the functioning of the government, it would be an internal party decision, he said. "I wouldn't be happy to see any internal issues, as might be currently dealt with by SNS, posing a threat to the majority in Parliament," noted Fico, adding that he intends to discuss this issue at the Coalition Council session that is due to be held on Monday (25 May) or Tuesday (26 May). "What's the point of dismissing someone if this takes us to having 75 MPs instead of 78, and we're done?" asked Fico. He added that if SNS comes up with a pre-agreed proposal guaranteeing 78 coalition MPs in Parliament, he would probably make the decision. "But making a decision without knowing the facts, without seeing the impacts on the SNS caucus, or how the dismissed minister will behave, that's not the way to go," said Fico, adding that it's his duty, regardless of what proposals or initiatives may arise, to do his best to make sure that the coalition will remain in power until the parliamentary elections in 2027. "And I will be guided by this," stated the prime minister. On Wednesday (20 May), SNS proposed, as one of the alternatives with respect to an announced government reshuffle, to replace its nominee Tomas Taraba in the post of environment minister. as he's been running the ministry fully autonomously. The party has no information about the activities and projects at the Environment Ministry and voiced its reservations regarding the prepared zoning plan for national parks, urging Taraba to reconsider it. Following Wednesday's (20 May) cabinet session, the minister said that he stood by the zoning proposal, however. jrg/df