BRATISLAVA, June 9, (WEBNOVINY) — Ex-finance minister and MP for the opposition party SMER-SD Jan Pociatek accused the government of Iveta Radicova of shamelessly misleading the public that is has a systematic plan to reduce public spending. He demonstrated his statement on figures, which are of part of the stability program, which the Slovak government is sending to Brussels for assessment. „Under the government of Robert Fico, the gross public debt surged by EUR 10.2 billion, however plans in the stability program, which even represent the most optimistic scenario will mean a EUR 12.6 billion new debt for Slovakia,” he said. Pociatek specified that under Fico the debt per capita increased by about EUR 1,900 while the current government plans to balloon it by EUR 2,300. The ex-minister underscored in this association that in the era of Robert Fico, Slovakia was hit by the worst economic crisis in the EU history.
Pociatek said that also the budget development this year is evidence of the chaotic budgetary policy of the government of Iveta Radicova. Though the Finance Ministry is proud about slashing elementary expenditures for the state operation by over 7 percent, Pociatek says that this figure is not quite representative. The ministry subtracted from total expenditures also costs for covering the gap of the social insurance provider Socialna Poistovna. caused by the introduction of the second pension pillar, which the ex-minister does not consider correct.
The government has misled that it has a plan of systemic saving, the SMER politician says. Pociatek however believes that they are successful in lowering the deficit only due to higher revenues from the corporate income tax and EU money coming here. Pociatek underscored that little is saved in the sphere of budget expenditures and what is more, saving measures are implemented in absolutely badly selected sectors.
SMER representatives say that for example the development of real wages illustrates the achievements of the current government in the economic and fiscal policies. Real wages posted a drop over the first quarter. “it is absolutely clear that inhabitants are poorer now, since real wages edged lower,” said the former finance minister.
SITA