The government’s austerity package, also known as the consolidation plan, has passed parliament with the backing of 78 MPs. From next year, employees and the self-employed will pay higher health contributions, the self-employed will lose part of their levy breaks, and top earners will face higher income tax. The package also raises VAT on some foods and cancels several public holidays, including September 15.
Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický again blamed previous governments for the need to consolidate, saying they left public finances with a deficit of 8.5 billion euros in 2024.
Former PM (2020-2021) Igor Matovič from the Slovensko party called him a liar, while opposition and PS party leader Michal Šimečka accused the coalition of cutting short the debate, with more than 40 speakers still registered. The coalition countered that the opposition was abusing the debate for obstruction and delaying the vote. The package eventually passed in an evening session, prompting opposition deputies to walk out in protest.
Marián Viskupič of the SaS party criticized the government for failing to cut its own spending, instead raising revenues. He warned this could stall the economy — possibly pushing it into recession rather than mere stagnation.
The package does not yet include concrete savings within government ministries. The coalition, however, promises to present them in October.
Ján Ferenčák, a deputy from the coalition party Hlas-SD, also broke ranks. He said MPs should vote according to their conscience and argued the plan failed to shift enough of the burden onto the state. He was the only coalition member to vote against it.
Source: STVR, TASR
