Jakab: We're in for "Coalition Hell" of Chaos and Blackmail in Coming Months

Bratislava, 14 June (TASR) - The approval of next year's budget will be preceded by a "coalition hell" filled with arguments, chaos, and blackmail, MP for the opposition 'Slovakia' party Julius Jakab stated on Sunday in response the remarks made earlier in the day by speakers in televised debates as well as a video message from Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). Jakab also highlighted a warning from President Peter Pellegrini that the planned approval of the state budget will be influenced by relations within the coalition and the ability of its members to seek consensus. The MP believes that drafting the budget -especially in a year when parliamentary election is taking place -will further intensify current internal coalition disputes. "Everyone is already arguing there, and now it will be complete chaos; everyone will just want to grab another piece of the 'pie'. It won't be pretty, nor will it be beneficial for the people," he said. The opposition lawmaker also criticised the head of state's stance on the nominations of MPs Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) and Miroslav Radacovsky (Independent) for the posts of ambassadors to Italy and Cyprus. According to him, Pellegrini is ignoring the fact that Kmec had to step down as vice-premier due to suspicions surrounding the sale of the Voderady outlet near Trnava. "He'll sign both Kmec and Radacovsky; he'll sign anything that comes his way," Jakab said of the president. Chairwoman of the 'For the People' party Veronika Remisova also joined in the criticism in this regard. According to her, the president cannot make excuses by saying that if an ambassador fails, he can be recalled later. "If he knows today that the nomination is a disgrace, he shouldn't wait until that disgrace occurs abroad," said Remisova. Speaking on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday, President Peter Pellegrini stated that the appointment of ambassadors - including the nominations of Kmec and Radacovsky - is expected to take place next week. In the case of Radacovsky, he didn't give a clear answer to the question of whether he'll appoint him, but he noted that Radacovsky meets all formal requirements, has political legitimacy, and has also received 'agrement', that is, the consent of the Cypriot side. Regarding Kmec, he highlighted the credit he has earned during previous diplomatic missions. Pellegrini added that if it becomes apparent that an ambassador is unable to perform his duties, he may be dismissed. am