House: Session on Fico's Ouster to Remain Closed Until Vote

Bratislava, January 21 (TASR) - MPs will continue the special session on the opposition's no-confidence motion in the government in Parliament behind closed doors, House vice-chair Peter Ziga (Voice-SD), who's been tasked with heading Parliament on a temporary basis, stated after Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) requested this. Fico wants to inform MPs about a report containing classified information. Only the vote on the no-confidence motion in the government will be public. The opposition has criticised this move, calling for the rest of the debate to be held publicly as usual. Ziga stated that not only Fico's speech on confidential information, but the entire remainder of the session, would be closed, so that MPs can potentially refer to classified information in their speeches. Ondrej Dostal (Freedom and solidarity/SaS) considers this to be an absurd explanation, while Gabor Grendel ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU) described it as a dictatorial way of conducting proceedings that has nothing in common with democracy. Maria Kolikova (SaS) argued that there is no reason for the session to be held behind closed doors. PS leader Michal Simecka called it a scandal and an incredible disgrace. "The premier is afraid to discuss his failures. He requested a closed session of the House. He doesn't want the public to know what we're talking about. The coalition approved the discussion of a classified report and the exclusion of both the media and the public from the chamber," he said. The special session on Fico's ouster began on Tuesday morning. Simecka spoke publicly on behalf of the proposers, followed by a speech by Fico. The session may be extended beyond 8.00 p.m. if necessary. lin/df