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Fico Hopeful Bratislava Castle's Reconstruction Will Continue
Wednesday 31 March 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, March 31 (TASR) - The Government, which will be created following the general election due in June, should carry on supporting the ongoing reconstruction of Bratislava Castle, notwithstanding the financially-demanding nature of the venture, Prime Minister Robert Fico said after an on-site inspection on Wednesday.
"It wouldn't be right to put a large rusty lock here, saying that no money is available," noted the premier, adding that he expects some sections of the castle area to be made available to the public as early as this summer.
According to Fico, the latest reconstruction, under way in the 1950s and 60s, was carried out in line with ideas pursued by the Communist regime, which wanted the Castle to be a representative seat. However, the current makeover will make the castle more accessible to the public. Additional subterranean areas, largely of a Gothic character, should be open to the public – including a special area with newly-unearthed archaeological finds dating back to the times of the Roman empire.
A total of €46.8 million has now been spent on the reconstruction, with more funds needed for the project. "It's a question of budgets, how much the Government in the next few years will be willing to provide," said Parliamentary Chairman Pavol Paska, who accompanied Fico during his visit.
"As far as this project goes, I must give credit to the Parliament's leadership, its chairman Pavol Paska in particular. The Parliamentary Chairman has many other tasks without having to press the Government and everybody else into making sure that the reconstruction work will proceed. Had it not been for his zeal, we wouldn't be this far today," said Fico.
Fico also dismissed Opposition parties' allegations that the commission for the venture has been won by a company called Vahostav, whose owner - Juraj Siroky - is said to be on close terms with Fico's Smer-SD party. "They've been saying about us that we only want to steal money designed for the castle's reconstruction. As you can see with your own eyes, though, nothing has been lost at the castle. On the contrary, something new is being added all the time," said Fico.
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