BRATISLAVA, September 13, (WEBNOVINY) – Answering a question during parliamentary Question Hour on Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he guarantees that Slovakia will keep this year’s budget deficit below 4.6 percent of GDP and in 2013 reduce the deficit below three percent of GDP. „I prefer a rigid fulfillment of international obligations that we have, because it is the only way that can gradually lead Slovakia out of the crisis,“ he said. Fico appreciates that foreign partners have noticed efforts of Slovakia to consolidate its public finances and that Slovakia is seen in Europe as a trusted partner.
„We would rather pay a political price, we would rather be less popular and have less public support, but we will be sure that Slovakia has a perspective, that it is secure, and will not need to go around Europe with a hat as a beggar and ask for a bailout from a variety of mechanisms, than taking a cheap ride on the wave of a five-, six-, seven-, or eight-percent deficits in 2013 and 2014, and then all that would remain is just come and turn off the light [and leave – SITA note],“ said Fico. He assured that Slovakia will not seek bailout from the rescue mechanisms. He told MPs that his government has launched a major reform project of the state administration, which should eventually result in saving of EUR 700 million.
SITA
