BRATISLAVA, August 11, (WEBNOVINY) — Some opinions regarding Slovakia’s stance toward resolving problems in the eurozone may still change, according to chairman of the ruling coalition party KDH and Transport Minister Jan Figel. The leader of the Christian Democrats admitted this at Thursday’s meeting with Prime Minister Iveta Radicova. The liberal member of the ruling coalition, the SaS party, has long been rejecting increasing the capacity of the existing bailout fund and establishing a new stabilization mechanism. Jan Figel expects some opinions regarding this issue to change before parliamentary votes on these issues in September. “I am sure that by then, wisely and responsibly used time will bring changes to opinions and perhaps also solutions that will eventually be constructive and good not only for Slovakia, but for the euro, too,” Figel stated.
The KDH leader maintains that Slovakia’s stance toward resolving problems of the common European currency should not be either the coalition’s or opposition’s, but the whole country’s. Division of the political scene on this matter expresses a lack of understanding that the stability of the euro is timeless and requires a consensus.
According to Figel, parliamentary deputies are to hold a vote on increasing the capacity of the EU bailout fund and creation of a new, permanent bailout fund. On Thursday, the KDH leader and the prime minister agreed that handling current problems of the eurozone involves Slovakia’s interests. KDH supports strict measures to improve the „fitness“ of eurozone members.
Prime Minister Iveta Radicova announced her plan 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 the ruling coalition and opposition parties on Monday. “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 talks aimed at coming to as much agreement as possible in the common state interest could take place sometime this month.
Radicova already met with SaS leader Richard Sulik, who has, however, not changed his opinion and rejects supporting any changes regarding the bailout fund. He believes that the only solution to the crisis is the default of irresponsible countries.
SITA