Some measures included in the programme of the far-right Kotleba - People's Party Our Slovakia (ĽSNS) would harm the country economically and lower living standards, Slovak Business Alliance (PAS) executive director Peter Kremský told TASR on Thursday, adding that the programme lacks a clear concept and is more like a cluster of unrelated points.
"There are several measures that haven't been put in context, and it isn't clear where the money for them would be sought and what they would bring. Rather than a tool to support the economy or its development in any direction, it can instead be generally labelled an attempt to catch the voters' fancy," stated Kremský. The measures include, for example, a lower retirement age, increasing maternity benefits, introducing loans for newlyweds, leaving the European Union, returning to the Slovak koruna, building a strong army and stronger border protection. "Some measures, such as leaving the EU, returning to the Slovak koruna, etc. would bring economic harm to Slovakia and lower the living standards of its citizens," stressed Kremský.
According to PAS, ĽSNS's programme in its current form would instead lead to a deepening of the state deficit, bigger debts for the state and its citizens, an increase in dependence on banks and economically strong countries and thereby a worsening of living standards. "This would result in a further brain drain from Slovakia, and it could threaten the sovereignty and independence of Slovakia, as well as the existence of the country itself," said Kremský.
PAS was not alone in its concerns, with the Economic and Social Analysis Institute (INESS) think tank writing in its analysis that if ĽSNS managed to implement its programme this year, it would result in a public finance deficit of €6.3 billion. In response, the party stated that in its analysis, INESS took points from ĽSNS's programme out of context, while ignoring the timing of the implementation of individual points, their mutual synergy and integrity.
