Szalay Concerned That Kotlar's Claims Could Put People Off Vaccination

Bratislava, April 10 (TASR) - No studies show that significantly more people fell ill after being vaccinated against coronavirus; quite the opposite is true: people who have been vaccinated have had fewer cardiovascular problems than those who had COVID-19, said MP Tomas Szalay (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) in reaction to statements made by Government Proxy for Investigating COVID-19 Pandemic Management Peter Kotlar (Slovak National Party/SNS) earlier on Thursday. Szalay is concerned that Kotlar's statements are discouraging people from getting vaccinated, including with normal vaccines, not just mRNA ones. The opposition MP noted that he filed a criminal complaint against Kotlar for spreading alarming news because his statements could cause fear, anxiety or distress among the public. According to Szalay, Kotlar suits Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD), as he attracts a certain section of voters. He also needs Kotlar to support his own coalition, thinks Szalay. "Someone should pull the handbrake. I understand that his vote is important for the coalition to have a majority, but there should be some limits," he said. Szalay also commented on Kotlar's statements that if he were health minister, Slovakia would immediately withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO). "Fortunately, it doesn't depend on Kotlar whether Slovakia will withdraw from the WHO; the Health Ministry has, to the extent possible, a reserved stance towards Kotlar's claims. It isn't Kotlar who decides whether we will be a WHO member or whether we will sign the global pandemic agreement," he said, adding that Kotlar has just an advisory role. Kotlar on Thursday called on the coalition and Premier Fico to end vaccination with mRNA vaccines based on the principle of distribution using nanotechnology. He also reiterated his claim that all tested batches of vaccines are capable of changing human DNA, which could lead to several serious diseases. ko/df