Fico's trap

The new prim-minister Iveta Radičová, immediately after taking over office, flew to Brussels to clear some issues regarding Slovakia's support to the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism, including a loan for Greece.

The situation is more or less an uncomfortable balancing act, which in my view, has been cunningly planted by Ms Radičová's predecessor. The whole discussion, not only in Brussels itself, but also in the domestic arena; realising Slovakia's commitments as a result of its EU membership on the one hand, and maintaining an opinion against the faced unrealistic cash-flow to the state treasure, which thanks to Fico's budgetary mismanagement de facto could not afford such a luxury.

Arguably, international commitments are commitments, which are to be kept. ... Provided the stability of the status quo can ensure such. The main problem is, that Fico has performed his role in the past year in Slovakia and in Brussels as an old fashioned communist dictator, making choices and decisions, which he refused to discuss in parliament when asked. Decisions, which have an enormous impact. Concurrently, not even the state of the treasury was disclosed last February - probably being fully aware of the negative response of the government's spending sprees, keeping it hush-hush before the elections (using the lamest excuses one can ever think of) seemed the only solution to reassure re-election.

Unfortunately for Fico, his re-election did not materialise, but tragically enough for Slovakia, and his scheme are already surfacing; becoming painfully visible too, especially here. Fico's agreement to contribute to the rescue of Greece may seem like a just gesture of solidarity, but the bitter reality is, that Fico's generosity is a bit more than the Slovak economy can chew. When returning from the EU meeting, both Fico and his finance minister assured the public that it was the best option for Slovakia, and that no commitment was given - merely an intention. It would not burden the Slovak budget at all. As said, when parliament insisted on a hearing, Fico completely ignored this right (after all, parliament has a legal obligation to do so), calling it premature, unnecessary. 

Now it appears a bit different. The intention was far more than an intention, and from a legal point of view, Brussels is in its right to remind Slovakia to its commitment. The moral problem is, that the new government is facing a budgetary horror scenario, which Fico and his cronies left behind. Together with the budget deficit, kept a secret till after elections, of another billion Euros. A true landmine. Fico is far too happy to pinpoint to the present government for not keeping their pre-election promise of not supporting the far too expensive measure. It has no choice. But Fico's behaviour is becoming more than bitterly arrogant. If Brussels is overly concerned about Greece, let the rich countries cough up the dough. Slovakia could soon go down the drain too because of this, since Fico's  household bookkeeping and irresponsible spending have increased the national deficit up to an unacceptable 7% - and thus trespassing the EU norm. A true trap, with hardly a way out. Further sanctions from Brussels for Fico's dodgy and murky tenders are at hand. A national tragedy.

MS