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Šimečka in the National Council of the Slovak Republic: Words about leaving the EU are a threat to the national interests of the Slovak Republic

by AI | 21.Jan 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Michal Šimečka explained that even talks of leaving the EU are a reason for the removal of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Leader of the PS Michal Šimečka in parliament on the reasons for the dismissal of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Photo: TASR

Bratislava – The chairman of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS), Michal Šimečka, considers the words about a possible exit of Slovakia from the European Union (EU) as an existential threat to the national interests of the country. According to him, no other reasons are needed to express no confidence in the government in parliament, which the opposition is trying to do on Tuesday. He stated this during the meeting about the proposal to remove Robert Fico’s (Smer-SD) government. TASR reports.

According to Šimečka, the Prime Minister feels better in the company of dictators than at the seat of Slovak democracy. He pointed out that the Smer government is preparing the ground for Slovakia’s exit from the EU. According to Šimečka, the Prime Minister came up with a proposal to change the memorandum of the three highest constitutional officials on Slovakia’s foreign orientation after visiting Moscow.

“This debate is taking place at a very tense moment just days after the words from the Prime Minister about Maidan, about a coup. And these words were addressed to decent citizens of Slovakia, who are calmly exercising their constitutional right to assemble,” noted Šimečka.

In his speech, he criticized every single ministry. He mentioned consolidation and the increase of VAT, an amendment to the Penal Code, the poor situation in healthcare, education, culture, the police, or the environment. He labeled emigration as a huge problem for Slovakia. “We are losing a huge economic capital. With every Slovak who goes abroad, we lose 2.8 million euros,” noted the PS chairman, adding that Slovakia could have had a larger GDP if Fico’s governments had not driven young people away. He described his speech as a generational statement during Fico’s 14 years in government.

According to him, Fico’s government cannot lie to all people forever. Meanwhile, Šimečka asked the Prime Minister to focus less on world peace and more on ordinary people and their problems. (January 21)

“This debate is taking place at a very tense moment just days after the words from the Prime Minister about Maidan, about a coup. And these words were addressed to decent citizens of Slovakia, who are calmly exercising their constitutional right to assemble.” Michal Šimečka