Karas: I Reject Claims I'm Moving Closer to Smer Over Ukraine Loan Stance

Bratislava, 20 October (TASR) - Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) vice-chair Viliam Karas respects criticism from KDH MP Frantisek Miklosko but rejects his claims that he is moving closer to the governing Smer-SD party, arguing that holding a different opinion from Miklosko on one specific issue does not mean he is politically moving closer to the governing parties. Karas said this to TASR in response to Miklosko's remarks, in which Miklosko criticised Karas's position on withholding support for a loan to Ukraine. "As KDH vice-chair, I represent the party through my statements. KDH has always stood by Ukraine, and we have also supported the loans previously provided by the EU. However, this was a new request for additional funding, on which the party has not yet adopted an official position. I expressed my political view that, given the scale of assistance Slovakia has provided to Ukraine so far and the state of our public finances, the risk of state collapse must be taken into account. I stand by this position," Karas told TASR. He said his stance was in no way directed against Ukraine. "When I was justice minister, I voted in favour of military assistance to Ukraine in the form of donations of military equipment, and I do not regret that decision, even though I faced threats of criminal prosecution. It is in Slovakia's vital interest that the internationally recognised borders of states cannot be changed by force. Given the current state of Slovakia's public finances, however, I see no room for taking on further financial commitments without adequate safeguards, such as a special tax on the extraordinary profits of companies that earn money from producing and supplying weapons for armed conflicts. This is particularly important when compared with the considerably stronger and wealthier European economies," he claimed. Karas rejected the suggestion that his remarks brought him closer to Smer-SD. "I respect Miklosko's criticism, but I reject his claims that I'm moving closer to Smer. The fact that I hold a different opinion from Mr. Miklosko on one specific issue doesn't mean that I'm politically moving closer to the governing parties. At its congress, KDH ruled out cooperation with Smer, Voice and the Slovak National Party (SNS), and I fully respect that decision. Unlike Miklosko, I respect the party's decisions even when I do not always agree with them," he added. According to Karas, Christian democratic politics cannot consist solely of automatically adopting positions that oppose those of Smer chair Robert Fico. He believes KDH must be a confident party with its own views, programme and clear values-based identity. "We also discussed the party's position at the party leadership level, and I'm glad we reached full agreement. It places particular emphasis on financial responsibility and protecting Slovak people, issues I raised during Sunday's (18 October) discussion programme. KDH has thus shown that supporting Ukraine and exercising caution about taking on financial commitments for Slovakia are not contradictory positions. I fully respect the decision adopted. I'm glad that KDH discussed the issue and adopted a position that combines solidarity with Ukraine with responsibility towards Slovakia's public finances," he added. Miklosko commented on Karas's statement regarding the loan to Ukraine in an interview with .tyzden magazine. He said Karas had not discussed his view with party members that the loan should not be supported. According to Miklosko, Karas failed to realise that Ukraine was also defending Slovakia's freedom, at the cost of civilian lives. Miklosko argued that Karas had merely expressed a viewpoint shared by Smer-SD or the Republic party. He said Karas pursues only one ambition: to chair the party. mf/mcs