Simkovicova Rejects Ex-minister Milanova's Criticism of Her Working Trip to USA

Bratislava, 22 September (TASR) - Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) has responded to a post by former culture minister Natalia Milanova ('Slovakia' party), who questioned her working trip to the United States. The minister's trip is focused on promoting Slovak cultural heritage, Slovak educational and cultural activities in the US, and cultural diplomacy, Culture Ministry's communications department director Petra Demkova has informed TASR. The minister's agenda includes attending the 48th Slovak Heritage Festival in New Jersey, a meeting with teachers from Slovak weekend educational centres and other working meetings, specified Demkova, adding that the Culture Ministry published the programme before the working trip began. "Criticism of political work is absolutely legitimate. Mockery, however, isn't an argument. If someone questions the culture minister's official trip, let's discuss its agenda, its results, and what it brings to Slovakia and Slovak ex-patriot communities abroad. I am ready to engage in such a discussion at any time," stated Simkovicova. The minister also pointed out the difference between the criticism of her own work trip and the approach taken by Milanova during her tenure as head of the ministry. She noted that Milanova didn't attend the Slovak Heritage Festival in New Jersey while serving as minister. The minister also pointed out that the figure for the working trip cost published by Milanova bears absolutely no relation to reality. According to Simkovicova, the ex-minister completely fabricated the amount solely to incite hatred, as the actual cost is disproportionately lower. On Monday (21 September), ex-minister Milanova published on social media post claiming that the US working trip of current Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova would cost some €30,000. "Standing out among the ministry's orders are flight tickets and accommodation totalling nearly €30,000. Although the destination is not specified, the dates and costs align with a trip to the United States, similar to those undertaken in previous years," commented Milanova. ko/mcs