Local Authorities Reply to Fico, Reform Blueprint Already Submitted to Gov't

Bratislava, 29 July (TASR) - Representatives of local authorities say that it's inappropriate to call on municipalities and regions to draft a public administration reform proposal when such a document already exists. Responding to remarks by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), chair of the Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS) Jozef Bozik referred to a position paper entitled 'Local Government as a Stable and Strong Partner of the State', while chair of the SK8 association of self-governing regions Jozef Viskupic described the prime minister's appeal as "pushing at an open door". Bozik and Viskupic pointed out that the position paper, presented jointly by the two associations in mid-March, sets out a shared vision of municipalities, towns and self-governing regions for the future organisation of public administration, including the division of powers, financing and relations with central government. They said that it provides the basis for further negotiations with the state. "We sent the position paper to constitutional officials, government representatives and political parties. So far, only the president and the parliamentary chair have responded to the initiative. We've received neither a response nor a proposal for a working meeting from the government," said Bozik. Viskupic noted that he's also raised the issue during meetings of the Permanent Conference on Nationwide Social Dialogue. "I'm therefore surprised that the prime minister still acts as though he's never heard of our document or initiative. I regard this as pushing at an open door and irresponsibly avoiding an important discussion about Slovakia's future," he stated. He added that the position paper envisages a comprehensive reform of public administration covering both central state administration and local government. "It includes measures such as reducing the number of ministries, abolishing district offices, transferring selected powers to self-governing regions and municipalities, and merging municipalities that have long proved non-functional," noted Viskupic. Bozik said the document is still being refined. "We are ready to discuss its further development," he said. He also confirmed that discussions are due to continue within a joint working group made up of ZMOS, SK8 and the Union of Slovak Towns, which has previously presented its own position paper on public administration reform. "However, this mustn't remain a discussion among local authorities alone. The state must actively participate in the process with its analytical, professional, financial and legislative capacities," stressed Bozik. At a press conference in Presov on Tuesday (28 July), Prime Minister Fico reiterated that his government doesn't intend to prepare a public administration reform "from behind a desk". He argued that if changes affecting the position of local authorities were to be introduced, the reform proposal should come from local authorities themselves and then be negotiated with the government. "I'm calling on local authorities: if you want reform, you have to prepare it yourselves, because you know best what you need," said the prime minister. mf/df