Simecka Criticises Fico Over Grant List Request, Fico Blames Family's Funding

Bratislava, February 25 (TASR) - Opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka criticised Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for requesting a list of all grants and subsidies provided to foundations, NGOs, and other organisations, while Fico responded by repeating claims that Simecka's relatives received large sums from state and international funding schemes on social media, which he cited as the reason for removing Simecka from his House Vice-chair position. The PS leader called it a scandal that Fico has personally instructed all ministries to compile and send a list of all grants and subsidies provided to NGOs, stating that these organisations have long filled the gaps left by Fico's governments, caring for the elderly, sick, abused women, educating young people, and protecting nature, freedom, and democracy, while Fico, instead of thanking them, does the opposite. Fico responded by stating that as premier, he is rightfully requesting information about the grants NGOs have received since the end of 2023, claiming that Simecka's father, mother, and partner are "prime examples of how one can profit from NGOs". Fico added that an NGO led by Simecka's mother received €314,000 from Slovak grant schemes in the past four years. lin/mcs