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Figel: Meciar's Stance on Metropolis Is Example Of Political Relativism
Friday 18 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 18 (TASR) - The stance of LS-HZDS Chairman Vladimir Meciar regarding the construction of the multi-functional complex Metropolis with a casino on the outskirts of Bratislava represents a show of his moral relativism that he tries to translate into political relativism as well, Christian Democrat (KDH) Chairman Jan Figel told TASR on Friday in reaction to Meciar's statements.
"I agree neither with the former nor with the latter," said Figel.
"It seems as if one party supports something, the other will oppose it on principle. If their positions were reversed, they would just exchange their stances," Meciar commented on the stances Smer-SD and KDH adopted with respect to the Metropolis project, and he called on the political spectrum to depoliticise the whole debate.
"I can say that, regardless of the fact that we are in Opposition, we would support the Government, even in passing unpopular measures, if needed for Slovakia," claimed Figel. According to him, the stance of KDH is not motivated by an effort to oppose the Government on principle at all.
"Every kind of gaming has some amount of immorality. It's up to society to find the right balance – a consensus of how much gaming is tolerable," said Meciar, adding that there are different experiences with casinos in Russia and in Las Vegas.
According to Meciar, a public discussion regarding the positives and negatives of such a complex is legitimate. "This centre represents also a complex of opportunities. For instance, one thing that works well in Las Vegas and earns the most money are centres for children. That's because these centres attract parents, who spend money on themselves and on their children," said Meciar.
"It's interesting to see Meciar conveying his understanding for both parties of the dispute," said Figel, according to whom it's necessary to ascertain what's good and what's not, and then do their utmost to help goodness triumph.
On a pragmatic note, Figel regards the Metropolis project as unfavourable also because the costs of enforcing order and security in Las Vegas outstrip the gaming revenues sixfold.
The multifunctional entertainment and recreation project worth €1.5 billion, co-financed by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., should consist of a commercial area, aquapark, conference facilities, hotels and sports arenas as well as casinos spread out over 1.2 million square metres. The project should create 30,000 jobs long-term as well as temporary jobs and strengthen the service sector in the economy. The Metropolis will not to be supported by the Slovak Government in any way, thereby it would not have any direct impact on the state budget in the construction phase.
The Finance Ministry rejects KDH's criticism. "The ministry views such accusations as unsubstantiated, as the crucial part of the whole project features relaxation, cultural, recreational and sports facilities, including hotels and restaurants. The casino represents only a small part of the project," ministry spokesperson Miroslav Smal told TASR. He adds that such an investment would support the growth of tourism with a positive impact on public finances and employment.
The project was announced by Finance Minister Jan Pociatek in October. According to Pociatek, The Metropolis should bring 30,000 jobs, attract 5 million tourists to Slovakia yearly and increase the state tax income by €600 millions.
[There are already scores of casinos in Slovakia, though none of the magnitude of The Metropolis, which is located where Slovak, Hungarian and Austria borders meet - ed. note].
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