PS: Approval of Consolidation Measures Might Be Beginning of End for Fico Gov't

Bratislava, October 3 (TASR) - The approval of the consolidation measures may mean the beginning of the fall of Robert Fico's government, as a chaotic and thoughtless package will be reflected in all prices and will have a negative impact on the Slovak economy, said opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka on Thursday. "They increased their own salaries, granted themselves life-long rents, while burdening everyone else in Slovakia with higher taxes. Fico's price increases will affect everyone, it's a general attack on people's wallets," stated Simecka, who added that the people who voted for coalition representatives will pay the most for the consolidation measures, which might cause the coalition's fall. Opposition MP Stefan Kiss (PS) pointed to amending proposals that have been approved as part of the consolidation measures. These should increase labour costs on the part of employees and employers and, in addition to the high tax on financial transactions, have a significantly negative impact on Slovakia's economy. ko/df