Danko: Opposition Proposal to Oust Gov't an Exercise in Political Theatrics

Bratislava/Moskva, January 14 (TASR) - The proposal of the entire opposition to cast a no-confidence motion in the government is a display of political theatrics, House Vice-chair Andrej Danko (SNS) stated in Moscow on Tuesday, whereas House Vice-chair Tibor Gaspar (Smer-SD), also in Moscow, added that the opposition is "Maidan-ising" Slovakia this way, spreading hatred and disrespecting the 2023 general election results. "It is their right, but I don't expect their activity to meet with success," noted Danko, who also criticised chair of opposition PS Michal Simecka for cooperating in the effort to oust the government with head of 'Slovakia' party Igor Matovic. Danko is also saddened by the fact that opposition KDH is participating in the initiative too. In Gaspar's view, with its no-confidence motion, the opposition is attempting to call for an early election in a non-democratic way. He voiced his surprise that some leaders of the opposition parties, who "should have more common sense" have "jumped on the bandwagon" too. "What is happening in Slovakia erodes ties between the people, disintegrates society and I don't think this is the right way to go. We will respond to this politically," said Gaspar, who added that the opposition's claim to represent the views of the majority of Slovaks is a lie. Opposition lawmakers of PS, SaS, KDH and 'Slovakia'-For the People-KU will file a motion to initiate a no-confidence vote in Fico's government, as they believe that Fico has failed to govern, pointing to problems in the health sector, botched consolidation effort and the aftermath of the hacker attack on the cadastre. In addition, the opposition sounds a warning note over what it sees as the casting of doubt over Slovakia's pro-Western political orientation. The opposition lawmakers don't mean to let Fico "mis-steer" Slovakia to the East, as he has no mandate to do so. mf/mcs