President Peter Pellegrini has called on the government to deal with the Slovak Academy of Sciences’ (SAV) report on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines without delay.
After meeting Academy chairman Martin Venhart on Wednesday, President Pellegrini said the study was prepared at the government’s request, with state-of-the-art methods and without political pressure. He warned that science must not become a target of ridicule or a tool in political fights.
The Academy’s analysis found that mRNA vaccines contain only trace amounts of DNA, well below approved safety limits. It dismissed claims made by government proxy for investigation into the pandemic, Peter Kotlár (Slovak National Party), as unsubstantiated.
Health Minister Kamil Šaško (Voice-SD) confirmed he has submitted the study to the cabinet, but said it was up to Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to decide when it will be discussed.
The issue has sparked strong political reactions. Coalition partner Slovak National Party said it respects the Academy’s work but insists on a professional debate about which vaccines help and which may harm. Opposition parties, however, criticised both the government and the president.
Leader of the Freedom and Solidarity Party Branislav Gröhling argued that Kotlár should have been summoned to the Presidential Palace to answer questions about his activities and, immediately afterwards, he should have resigned or been dismissed. Progressive Slovakia MP Oskar Dvořák said Kotlár was the reason why the purchase of vaccines had been halted, endangering both patients and healthcare workers.
Source: TASR
