BRATISLAVA, October 12, (WEBNOVINY) — Trade unions have the right to express their stance also in protest actions, said Prime Minister Iveta Radicova after she met with representatives of the Trade Unions Confederation (KOZ) on Monday evening. The unions informed earlier in the day that they plan another protest rally for Tuesday, October 12 to show their disagreement with the government’s consolidation package. The prime minister said that it is normal when somebody holding a different opinion voices it out loud. “However, it is not true that the government’s goal is not to improve the quality of life. All measures we implement are introduced with this aim,” she underscored. When asked whether the protest will take place also following talks with Iveta Radicova, KOZ President Miroslav Gazdik said that the process is underway and it is not possible to stop it. “We support consolidation of public finances but out stances slightly differ. I believe that some corrections will still be found, to soften the impacts on the citizens,” he said.
Gazdik characterized measures of the austerity package as extremely tough. Radicova however underscored that it is not simple to resolve the situation of the Slovak Republic and other EU countries. She said that the government is prepared to take further steps that would ease the eventually worsened situation of the citizens. She however said that the measures follow the only goal: to restart economic growth and employment.
Gazdik criticized abolishing tax breaks for savers in the third pension pillar calling it a dangerous measure. “We are concerned that after these tax breaks are scrapped for employers and employees, the third pension pillar will cease to exist as such,” he warned. Radicova responded that they might be able to preserve the pillar in its original setting but they rather want to use rational suggestions for its improvement. Trade unionists oppose to blanket increase in VAT and excise taxes, too. KOZ head said that they would only agree with increase in VAT on luxury goods but demand lower tax rate for example on food. Radicova argued that the measure will remain in effect only until the budget deficit sinks below three percent of GDP. KOZ president also criticized the suggested cancellation of reduced tax rate on so-called red diesel for farmers, which he believes would harm them.
SITA
