Opposition SaS Calls on President to Veto Consolidation Package

Bratislava, October 3 (TASR) - The opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has called on President Peter Pellegrini to stand by his pre-election promises and veto the consolidation package, SaS chairman Branislav Groehling said following the approval of the consolidation measures in Parliament, adding that they're considering filing a motion to the Constitutional Court. "We want to call on President Peter Pellegrini to stand by his pre-election promises on cheaper food and energy prices and veto this consolidation package," emphasised Groehling, noting that SaS will consider filing a motion to the Constitutional Court, but first they want to discuss it within the party and with their opposition partners. SaS pointed out that the approved consolidation measures will bring the biggest price increase in history. According to Groehling, the 23-percent value added tax (VAT) means that practically everything will become more expensive. The transaction tax will increase companies' expenses by €200-300 per employee per year, and it will also make it more difficult for charities to operate. "The corporate tax will go up to 24 percent for selected companies. This will hurt people again, either companies will raise prices for customers or they will look elsewhere. And in the end it will be the employees or the end consumer who will pay the price. And add to this the increase in the price of motorway stickers, the cuts in the parental pension, the reduction in the child bonus," stated Groehling. am/mcs