Slovak Ambassador to Italy: I'm Not under Criminal Investigation

Bratislava, 29 October (TASR) - Slovak Ambassador to Italy and former deputy prime minister for the Recovery Plan and a knowledge-based economy (2023-25) Peter Kmec has underlined that several procedures preceded his appointment to his diplomatic post, and that he isn't currently charged, being prosecuted or under investigation with respect to the projects carried out during his tenure as deputy prime minister, TASR learnt on Thursday. Kmec made the statement in response to Wednesday's (28 October) remarks by Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko, who, according to Kmec, linked the process of Kmec's appointment as ambassador with the appointment of a new environment minister. "Regarding my appointment, I'd like to point out that the final decision by the president to appoint me as the Slovak ambassador to Italy, Malta and San Marino was conditional on security clearance from the National Security Authority, including a favourable opinion from the Slovak Information Service. The clearance confirmed my integrity and ability to perform this role fully. I also received the consent of the Italians, which accepted the proposal for my appointment as put forward by the Slovak government and president," Kmec told TASR. He also accentuated that he hasn't been charged, prosecuted or under investigation with respect to the projects implemented during his tenure at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and Knowledge-based Economy. On Wednesday, SNS leader Andrej Danko called on President Peter Pellegrini not to delay the appointment of Filip Kuffa as environment minister. He argued that it is the prime minister who selects members of the government after consulting the coalition partners. In this context, Danko referred to criminal proceedings that he said should be under way concerning the Voice-SD party, and he maintained that if the president's remarks in a statement issued on Tuesday (27 October) hold true, Pellegrini should remove Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) from his post as ambassador. mf/df