Danko: Both Coalition and SNS Stand behind Culture Minister

Bratislava, October 28 (TASR) - Both the coalition and the Slovak National Party (SNS) stand behind Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (an SNS nominee), and the no-confidence motion in her submitted by the opposition is unnecessary, tiresome and has no value, said Parliamentary Vice-Chair and SNS leader Andrej Danko in Parliament on Monday, adding that Simkovicova won't be dismissed. "Minister, you have our support. Don't let these bad people take your energy. Concentrate on your work. When they kick you, you go a good way, when it hurts you, you go an even better one," Danko told Simkovicova, adding that he's an advocate of SNS ministers not serving as mere maintenance people. Danko considers the no-confidence vote in the head of the Culture Ministry to be a waste of time and PR for the opposition. "Don't prolong this session. This coalition supports Simkovicova. She has occupied the post and is bringing in a new wind," he stated. The opposition has criticised Simkovicova for personnel changes at the Slovak National Theatre and Slovak National Gallery. It claims that the minister is dismantling the public media and public funds and threatening the reconstruction of monuments and key cultural institutions. Simkovicova claims that she has the right to carry out her actions and that she's been acting in a lawful manner. The government also disagrees with the minister's dismissal, stating that she meets all the qualifications and professional prerequisites for the post. am/df