Environment Minister in Question

Opposition MPs have initiated an extraordinary parliamentary meeting for Friday. They will attempt to remove Environment Minister Peter Žiga via a no-confidence motion. In question is the controversial contract for ferry transport between the Danube River ports at Vojka nad Dunajom and Kyselica (Trnava region). It was signed by Vodohospodárska Výstavba and the private Bratislava-based company Ponton City in June 2015 for a term of 15 years. According to OĽaNO-NOVA chairman Igor Matovič, the cost over 15 years will reach €51.38 million (including VAT), which is over the limit set for public procurements (€25 million excluding VAT). The scam lies in the ferry's schedule, as the contract stipulates a frequency of 19 journeys a day. As of July 1, 2015, however, the ferry began to operate according to a different schedule with a frequency of 35 times a day, which has increased costs. Matovič argues that building a bridge would have been more cost effective. It's the 13th such attempt to oust a member of the Cabinet during this term in office of Smer-SD.