Kalinak: Important for New Cabinet Members to Deliver Results

Bratislava, March 19 (TASR) - Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) said on Wednesday that he views it as important for the new cabinet members to deliver results. Kalinak was speaking in connection with changes in the government, according to which Rudolf Huliak (a Smer-SD nominee) has become the Tourism and Sport Minister and Samuel Migal should become the Investment Minister. "It will definitely be important for them to produce results. Only then will the words that they have spoken prove to be true. I believe they will succeed and that they will certainly have everyone's support, as we all want results," stated Kalinak. At the same time, Kalinak highlighted Smer-SD's role in talks regarding changes in the governing coalition and securing a stable majority in Parliament. "The Voice-SD caucus split somehow, and the same happened to the Slovak National Party (SNS). Smer-SD has basically been the most stable party for a long time, so it was again left to us to step in as mediators in these talks," said Kalinak. The defence minister also noted that current Investment Minister Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) should become the House chair after being replaced by Migal. "He's always been a very consensual type of politician, so I believe that he'll do well in Parliament as well and that the parliamentary culture will also make some headway," he added. Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Tuesday (March 18) signed an agreement with Independent MPs Migal and Radomir Salitros, who were expelled from Voice-SD. According to him, the agreement creates the conditions for a stable majority for the governing coalition in Parliament. In line with the agreement, Migal should become the Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister. He should replace Rasi in the post, who should become the House chair. ko/df