SNS Urges Sutaj Estok to Take Up Post of House Chair

Bratislava, December 2 (TASR) - The coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) is urging Voice-SD leader and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok to switch posts and take up the job of vacated parliamentary chair instead of that of minister, TASR learnt from SNS spokesperson Zuzana Skopcova on Monday. Such a change would send a good signal to the public, as in SNS's view, its own voters expected better results in the Interior Ministry portfolio. "The problem for our government is not whether we have 76 or 79 lawmakers, the problem for our government is that our voters expected better results, and that means in the Interior Ministry portfolio as well. If we wish to send a positive signal to the public, there's a need to reset ties anew. Shifting minister Estok to the post of House chair would be a good signal society-wise," claimed the SNS spokesperson. In the opinion of SNS, fundamental reforms in health care, education and the construction of highways must be carried out within a year at the very latest. "If these reforms are not undertaken and, at the same time, those who misgoverned the country for three years are not held responsible, then having neither 76 nor 79 lawmakers will help our cabinet. The government must start to function properly, the prime minister needs to supervise the ministers on a daily basis because only together can Smer-SD, SNS and Voice-SD convince voters to vote for them again next time," reads the text. SNS is confident that the 2025 state budget will be passed in Parliament without a hitch. The post of House chair has been vacant since April, when Peter Pellegrini won the 2024 presidential election. According to the coalition agreement, the position belongs to Voice-SD, although SNS has staked a claim to it as well. Currently, Parliament is headed by vice-chair Peter Ziga (Voice-SD) in a temporary capacity. mf/df