Progressive Slovakia Presents Six Key Priorities for Future Government

Bratislava, 5 November (TASR) - The future government's activities should be based around a small number of key priorities, with their implementation guaranteed directly by the prime minister and a designated deputy prime minister, which is the only way for the government to perform better than the previous ones and really help the people of Slovakia, the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party stated on Thursday when presenting six priorities in its programme called Tresk 2 (Bang 2). "Slovakia needs change. We must move from a policy of ideas to a policy of projects. We urgently need a small number of priorities that will be completed with the support of the prime minister and based on a clear timetable. That's exactly what our Tresk 2 programme is about. We want people to have more money left in their wallets, to be able to stay and live in Slovakia, to have guaranteed healthcare without fees, with regions being able to make progress as well," said PS leader Michal Simecka. The six key projects are to be overseen by former head of the caretaker government and current PS MEP Ludovit Odor, whom the party envisages as a future deputy prime minister. According to Odor, the very first priority that serves as the basis for all others is to revive the economy and halt Slovakia's rising debt. The remaining priorities are called 'A Country That Does Not Waste Talent', 'A New Generation State', 'Prospects for Every Region', 'Lower Energy Bills' and 'Healthcare without Getting Lost'. In the future, according to PS, Slovakia's economy should grow at the fastest pace in the region. "Our goal is to get the public finances back in shape, so that we could reduce the deficit to less than 3 percent of GDP and keep the debt below 70 percent of GDP. At the same time, we'll start with ourselves and drastically streamline the state. We'll abolish two ministries, several state secretaries, twenty redundant offices and agencies, and over four hundred cushy jobs," stated Odor. By reducing social levies and introducing other measures, PS claims that working families should gain an extra €5,000 net annually by the end of the electoral term. The party also plans to abolish fees in outpatient clinics and guarantee diagnostics within 30 days for patients suspected of having oncological diseases. "We'll shorten deadlines for entrepreneurs and curb electricity prices by 10 percent, grant regions direct decision-making powers over 30 percent of EU funding, and create conditions to attract 10,000 talented people annually," said Odor, adding that instead of the expensive and untargeted energy assistance, the government will help 250,000 households to lower their bills with the use of thermal insulation and renewable sources. According to Simecka, PS has long been discussing its future plans and priorities with its opposition partners including relevant stakeholders and the public. They can be subject to changes, but it's crucial to establish the priorities in advance. "These priorities must be incorporated directly in the coalition agreement from day one, so that the new government delivers real results instead of all the infighting in ministries," added Simecka. jrg