Opposition MP Beblavý criticizes new post of Vice-premier for Investments

The boosting of powers for Vice-premier for Investments Peter Pellegrini, as part of the Competency Act to be debated in Parliament in fast-tracked proceedings, actually means creating a new ministry, independent MP Miroslav Beblavý said on Wednesday. As of June 1, the Office of Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatisation is to be created as a new central government body. It will have greater authority in the field of EU funds and informatisation. Pellegrini should be given new powers in governing, coordinating and supervising EU funds, and become the head of the new body. Pellegrini rejected Beblavý's claim that a de facto ministry is being set up. "The state has had a lasting problem with regard to having an agenda that goes across several ministries, EU funds and informatisation - so it's appropriate to govern this agenda from the Government Office or a deputy prime minister's office. Otherwise one ministry would actually govern other ministries," Pellegrini explained.