House: Opposition Accuses Coalition of Blocking Kalinak's Dismissal Session

Bratislava, April 1 (TASR) - The opposition accused the coalition of blocking a special session of Parliament on Tuesday regarding a no-confidence motion in Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD), claiming that he should resign for failing to disclose ownership of a house in Croatia in his property declaration, while emphasising that the coalition is disregarding democratic rules. The motion was initiated by the 'Slovakia' party and House conflict of interest committee chairwoman Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU). The opposition claims that it's evident that Kalinak has violated the law deliberately. "What more proof do we need that Robert Kalinak knowingly violated constitutional law? and he's even boasting about it, saying that he'd do it again. So, he hid a two-million-euro villa and openly admits that he would do it again, which means nothing less than deliberate fraud," stated MP and 'Slovakia' party leader Igor Matovic at a press conference. Remisova believes that the minister is openly mocking the rule of law. "Coalition MPs have once again ignored a House session called by the opposition. They do this regularly, completely disregarding democratic rules," stated opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka. According to him, Kalinak's actions were inexcusable and indefencible. "He prioritised his own interests and those of his family over constitutional law and acts as if that's perfectly fine. He even keeps saying that he'd do it again. What kind of example does that set for the public?" he asked. Parliament failed to open a debate on a no-confidence motion in Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) even at the second attempt on Tuesday, as only 68 MPs presented themselves, which was not enough for the House to be quorate. lin/df