Remisova Filing Complaint with NKU Over Contracts Signed by Minister Takac

Bratislava, April 4 (TASR) - Opposition MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU alliance) will file a complaint with the Supreme Audit Authority (NKU) over contracts on legal and consultancy services concluded between Agriculture Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) and a law firm owned by Marek Para, TASR learnt from Remisova's press conference on Friday. According to Remisova, the minister repeatedly signs contracts disadvantageous to the state, as evidenced by a contract worth €221,000 for legal services with the law firm of Marek Para, who has represented Smer-SD nominees and is also an advisor to Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). "It's noteworthy that the value of this commission even matches the firm's average turnover over the past few years. Hence, in essence, all it takes is a single commission from minister Takac and you're all set for a year," added Remisova. She warned that some of the money is to be financed via European funds, despite the fact that there have been problems with their use for farmers. This, however, isn't the only disadvantageous contract clinched by the Agriculture Ministry. "We've been drawing attention to overpriced public tender contracts, of which minister Takac has concluded several. At the moment they are worth almost one million euros," she stated, pointing out that remuneration for external consultants at the ministry are as much as 12 times higher than remuneration for the same work earned by ministry employees. mf/df