Slovak opposition seeks minister's ouster over alleged failures, EU fund risks

Slovakia's opposition party SaS is launching a bid to oust Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč, citing a mounting list of scandals and failures within his ministry. The party announced it is collecting signatures for a motion to dismiss Takáč, arguing his continued tenure threatens both Slovakia's international standing and access to billions of euros in European Union funding.

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We have a conflict of interest in the Agricultural Payment Agency, payments of hundreds of thousands of euros despite serious suspicions to 'fafokancov', scandals in Lesy SR, frozen calls and other projects that raise huge questions. The scandalous project for tens of millions of euros for liming forests is also a symbol. All this creates an image of a ministry that has lost all credibility.

SaS lawmaker Alojz Hlina detailed a series of issues, including conflicts of interest at the Agricultural Payment Agency, questionable payments to individuals despite serious suspicions, scandals involving state forests, frozen funding calls, and controversial projects. Hlina stated these problems have eroded the ministry's credibility, noting that criticism now comes not only from the opposition but also from the European Commission and the European Parliament.

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We have here serious reservations from the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). It seems everyone sees the problem, only Minister Takáč claims everything is fine. That is why we consider it important to submit a motion for his dismissal. We must send a clear signal abroad that Slovakia does not identify with this situation.

Adding to the pressure, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has raised serious objections. SaS Vice-Chair Mária Kolíková warned that these concerns, coupled with a recent European Parliament resolution on the rule of law and suspected misuse of EU funds, could lead to the suspension of EU funding for Slovakia. She highlighted the EPPO's warning about an environment that allows subsidies to be granted even to individuals facing accusations.

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The mosaic is gradually coming together. The European Parliament approved a resolution on the state of the rule of law and suspicion of misuse of European funds in Slovakia, and now comes another serious signal from the European Public Prosecutor's Office. It points to an environment that allows agro-subsidies to be granted even to persons against whom accusations have been made. Such a situation is unacceptable and could have serious consequences for the whole of Slovakia.

Minister Takáč, however, rejected the criticism. He asserted that a recently amended law actually enhances the protection of EU financial resources. He emphasized that the legislative process for the amendment was thorough and involved all relevant stakeholders. Takáč also defended the principle of presumption of innocence, arguing that farmers with legitimate claims to subsidies should not be denied funds due to unrelated personal issues or investigations, especially when these funds support employees and company operations. He maintained that all mechanisms for safeguarding EU funds remain operational.

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Based on the information I have, it is precisely this law that we passed that improves the protection of European financial resources.