PS Slams Transfer of €120 million to MIRRI Investments Fund

Bratislava, 2 November (TASR) - The opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party criticised the transfer of €120 million from Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) funds to the newly established state fund MIRRI Investments at a press conference held on Monday, adding that this is a non-transparent move intended to stabilise the governing coalition in exchange for political influence. PS representatives pointed out that the transfer of funds took place following the change in SIH's leadership in September. The new entity, MIRRI Investments, is to come under the direct control of selected officials from the Investment Ministry, without the involvement of an independent investment committee - a move which, according to the opposition party, contravenes the recommendations of the European Commission. "Functioning institutions that have helped the Slovak economy and start-ups are being dismantled simply so that the government can maintain its majority in Parliament," stated PS vice-chair Michal Truban. Truban stated that the party will closely monitor the entire process and utilise all opposition tools, including parliamentary question time. If concerns regarding the handling of funds are confirmed, PS is prepared to lodge criminal complaints. In this regard, PS vice-chair Stefan Kiss highlighted the essence of the whole manoeuvre. "Money from a functioning institution has been transferred to a newly established body without any control mechanisms. This is a prime example of political corruption and the buying off of MPs," he said. am/df