President: I'll Keep Close Eye on How Much Money Is Consumed by Energy Aid

Trencin, November 27 (TASR) - I'll closely monitor the amount of money spent by the government on energy aid from the state budget, President Peter Pellegrini said during his regional trip to Trencin on Wednesday. "We're living in complicated times that can bring us various unforeseen events and circumstances in the short term. That is why I've welcomed the relatively considerable reserve in the preparation of the state budget that the government keeps to cover serious needs that arise ad hoc because of some unforeseen event or, God forbid, a disaster or deterioration of some condition to the east of our country. So, of course, I'll be watching very closely to see how much money this across-the-board aid is eventually going to gobble up from the state budget," he stressed. The head of state pointed out that if the across-the-board aid were to consume a significant part of the government's reserve, the cabinet would then be left without some kind of safeguard for the future. "While I'll always say as a social democrat with my heart that everything must be done to ensure that the impacts of gas or other energy price increases have as little impact as possible on the quality and standard of living of the people of our country," he stated. "Of course, I could also imagine a way in which the government would target the aid so that it really reaches those who need it and avoids helping those who don't need it and who are in good shape and can afford to pay higher prices. I'll wait for the details," he said. am/mcs