MEP Zala leaves governing Smer-SD party

Slovak Member of European Parliament Boris Zala filed for the suspension of his membership in the largest governing Smer-Social Democracy party, on Monday. The reason behind Zala's decision is his dissatisfaction with where the party might be heading and also the fact that MEPs don't have any influence within the party. Zala as well as another MEP for Smer-SD Monika Flašíková-Beňová, criticised Fico's and also the party's attitude regarding the Bašternák scandal. The case indicates possible links between alleged tax fraudster Ladislav Bašternák and Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák as well as with Robert Fico. However, both Fico and Kaliňák have refused any wrongdoing. In the past, Fico criticised MEPs saying that "almost everyone in Brussels lives away from reality."