The Slovak government is preparing a new fiscal consolidation package aimed at reducing the public finance deficit to 4.1 percent of gross domestic product, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer-SD) said on Wednesday.
Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč (Smer-SD) added that the package will require greater savings across ministries and confirmed that some ministry employees are expected to be laid off. He ruled out reducing the number of self-governing regions, while calling for public discussion on the issue.
Coalition talks on the package are ongoing and expected to continue on Monday.
Opposition representatives criticised the process as secretive and delayed. Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Šimečka said the consolidation measures have contributed to Slovakia’s 4.6 percent inflation, which is among the highest in the euro area, and called for greater public consultation on fiscal reforms.
Source: TASR
