Sutaj Estok Seeks Police Pay Rise, Voice-SD Makes Budget Support Conditional

Bratislava, 28 May (TASR) - Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) told a news conference on Thursday that he plans to increase police salaries and that his party will make this a condition for adopting the state budget for next year. "I'll do my best to ensure that the next budget includes a hike in police salaries, a substantial hike in police salaries. We have this included in the government manifesto, and it will be one of Voice-SD's conditions. Without it, the budget won't be approved," stated Sutaj Estok. According to him, negotiations on preparations for the budget have now begun. He also spoke about introducing a new salary category. The interior minister also responded to statements made by opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka regarding pensions. He declared that as long as he's the minister, he won't touch the social security system of the police or other security forces. ko/df