SaS Criticises Malfunctioning of Parliament, Proposes Several Changes in Economy

Bratislava, February 25 (TASR) - The opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has criticised Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for not dealing with growing problems among the Slovak population and for travelling around the world instead while Parliament is blocked. SaS leader and MP Branislav Groehling said that his party has come up with several proposals that would reduce fuel prices and enhance business. He claims that the proposals would be of benefit immediately after they are approved. The first proposal is to reduce excise tax on petrol, the price of which is currently close to €1.6 per litre, and, according to the Statistics Office, is comparable to the one seen in February 2024. SaS also suggests increasing the level at which entrepreneurs begin paying value-added tax (VAT) from €50,000 to €75,000, which should enhance the growth of Slovak businesses. The final proposal is to enshrine Slovakia's EU and NATO membership directly in the Slovak Constitution. "However, we can't discuss all this, as the governing coalition is quarrelling and is unable even to open Parliament," stated Groehling. At the same time, the SaS leader called on the premier and the governing coalition to either reach an agreement and have its MPs start going to work and holding parliamentary debates, or let the country head into a snap election. In line with its schedule, Parliament should have been holding a regular session as of February 4. However, the coalition replaced the regular session with a special one held on the same date and with a limited agenda. The next regular parliamentary session should start on March 25. ko/df