Krupa: Kalinak Ignores Needs of Military, Engages in Non-systemic Procurements
29. decembra 2024 18:54
Bratislava, December 29 (TASR) - Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) ignores the needs of the military and makes non-systemic procurements, with the Defence Ministry also financing projects that fall under auspices of other ministries, opposition's MP Juraj Krupa (SaS) has told TASR in an interview.
"Key projects, such as the building of heavy mechanised brigade, which is crucial for our defence also as part of collective NATO defence, has been sidelined by the ministry. Instead, they're procuring jets, a transport squadron worth €300 million and old helicopters," underlined the MP.
Krupa sees non-systemic approach also in plans to replace the transport aircraft, as the ministry intends to buy replacement machines with its own budget, which should be used for building the defence capabilities of Slovakia instead.
Krupa added that the ministry has engaged in large-scale procurements irrespective of the imminent price growth and budgetary consolidation. The purchases in question are not just non-systemic and outside NATO targets, but also non-transparent. "To which minister Kalinak responds univocally: 'We'll find some use for what we buy'. Such an approach doesn't do anything to improve Slovakia's defence capabilities, however," he claimed, warning that Slovakia also faces creeping and hidden privatisation of the industry.
mf