BRATISLAVA, August 8, (WEBNOVINY) — Prime Minister Iveta Radicova wants to discuss the current situation in the eurozone and the future stability of the common European currency with President Ivan Gasparovic as well as other representatives of both ruling coalition and opposition parties. “The talks will be about responsibility for the future of the Slovak Republic,” stated the prime minister on Monday after meeting with Finance Minister Ivan Miklos and Foreign Affairs Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. She believes that the talks aimed at coming to as much agreement as possible in the common state interest could take place sometime this month.
Iveta Radicova considers crucial the announced political consultations. “Slovakia is at a very important crossroads. We are not deciding on specific countries today but on the strength and stability of the common currency,” said Radicova, adding that the decisions that are to be made are also about the stability of savings of Slovak citizens, their future living standard and potential economic stagnation, if not recession. Finance Minister Ivan Miklos did not rule out a possible recession after Monday talks either, but added that there is a chance to prevent it, too.
Prime Minister Radicova has formally asked President Ivan Gasparovic to attend the talks in a letter. Iveta Radicova is also supposed to meet the SaS party Chairman and Speaker of Parliament Richard Sulik on Monday. His party has repeatedly presented reservations toward the suggested increase in the temporary European bailout fund and the establishment of a new permanent bailout fund in the past. Radicova assumes that possible decision-making on the change to the existing bailout fund could follow at the September parliamentary session, as she sees no reason to approve changes this month already.
SITA