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Fico: Draft on Slimmer Cabinet Ready, Prospects Are Doubtful Though
Tuesday 29 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 29 (TASR) - A proposal to cut the number of ministries is ready, but the other coalition parties have reservations about it, Prime Minister Robert Fico has told TASR.
"It's so radical that it's obviously clashed with certain views, because everybody is already thinking somewhat in terms of the election (due in June 2010)," said Fico.
Fico added that the initiative is set to be submitted at one of the upcoming sessions of the executive branch, although he foresees tough negotiations. "I didn't expect so much resistance towards mergers or cutting down the number of ministries," said the premier.
Although Fico said that he embraces the proposal, he was doubtful as to the bill's chances of success, as the initiative is too radical for some and "this is a decision that should be approved on the principle of agreement."
Plans to set up an energy ministry are still in the pipeline, but the merger of some other ministries is a precondition for this, he added.
"We've got to find reserves somewhere to enable it (the ministry) to be set up. The energy sector will dominate, while the Economy Ministry has too many tasks. A nominee needs to focus on this issue, because it includes gas and everything concerning coal, electricity and nuclear energy; and it's an excessively large cake that needs to be catered to," stressed the premier.
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