Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is strongly rejected by the opposition SaS on the return to Slovakia’s energy dependence on the Russian Federation. According to her, these steps are in direct contradiction with the European Union’s objectives (EU) as well as the interests of the Slovak Republic and it is unacceptable that the Prime Minister defends Russian deliveries as reliable and convenient.
“The fact is that Russian gas is not cheap. Its availability is limited and the transport is complicated. The most expensive is always the gas that we do not have at a critical moment. Moreover, Russian Gazprom does not fulfill its obligations and there is no reason why it should be an exception for us,” announced a deputy of liberals in the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic Karol Galek.
According to him, the Prime Minister introduces the public, as Slovak energy companies are already declaring the ability to function without Russian gas. “Robert Fico is spreading alarm information about non -existent problems instead of presenting facts. The energy security of Slovakia must not stand on political games with Kremlin. Delivery from the East is to be the last option, not the first choice, especially if we have more reliable partners from democratic countries,” SaS deputy Marián Viskupič added.
The opposition officials responded to Wednesday’s statements of the Prime Minister. According to him, Slovakia recognizes the strategic goal of reducing the energy dependence of the European Union (EU) from third countries. The proposal for complete termination of imports of gas, oil and nuclear fuel from the Russian Federation, which was presented on Tuesday (6 May) by the European Commission (EC), but is unacceptable for Slovakia. Such a step would significantly harm the competitiveness of the EU and Slovakia, Fico said.
