Opposition Calls on Coalition Lawmakers to Help Repeal Transaction Tax (2)

Bratislava, April 8 (TASR) - Coalition lawmakers who disagree with the newly introduced tax on financial transactions will have an opportunity as early as this week to support opposition-sponsored proposals to scrap the tax as of May 1, representatives of several opposition parties stated on Tuesday. "We can see that the pressure isn't only from us; combined pressure from the public, entrepreneurs and businesses is also gradually taking hold. There are a growing number of coalition politicians who can see what a terrible mistake they've made, how foolish this is, and now they're bickering among themselves, trying to outdo each other as to who wants to scrap the tax more," Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka declared at a press conference. Simecka underlined that at a time of chaos in the global economy, Slovakia can ill-afford to have its economic growth arrested, which what the transaction tax would cause if it stays in place long enough. The PS leader pointed out to an amending proposal, attached to the amendment on the legislation that deals with local and regional authorities' tax income. "I'd like to urge them: enough words, it's necessary to start taking action. This week, on Wednesday or perhaps Thursday, an amending proposal submitted by my colleague Michal Truban, will be voted on in second reading. All coalition politicians will then have an opportunity to prove that their talk is not just empty words and that they really wish to help our entrepreneurs," said Simecka. This view is also held by the 'Slovakia' party, which has tabled its own proposal to scrap the tax and called on coalition legislators to support it. MP Julius Jakab ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU) pointed to recent statements made by leader of the coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) Andrej Danko. "Andrej Danko has now got it into his head that he's in favour of repealing a tax that he himself introduced. He even spoke about it at the weekend, and a SNS statement also speaks in clear terms," added Jakab at a press briefing. Seeing as SNS mentioned other dates on which the transaction tax could be potentially cancelled, Jakab said that 'Slovakia' party will meet it halfway and submit also alternative amending proposals, so as to let the coalition politicians choose. "In case Andrej Danko's excuse that May 1 is too early a date is true - even though we believe that every single day the transaction tax remains in existence is absolutely devasting for the economy - we drafted two amending proposals, based directly on Andrej Danko's statements. Namely: the abolition of the transaction tax as of July 1 of this year and the abolition of the transaction tax as of January 1, 2026," said Jakab, adding that if other dates were requested, the party is prepared to submit additional proposals accordingly. "Now it's time for both Andrej Danko and the entire SNS to reveal in front of the entire nation, whether they stand behind their promises or it's only a blackmail tool aimed to acquire positions of power, posts or rackets," added Jakab. mf