Slovakia’s government on verge leaving due to vote no confidence
2022.12.15 13:30
Slovakia’s government on verge leaving due to vote no confidence
Budrigannews.com – In spite of last-ditch efforts to win support, the minority government in Slovakia lost a no-confidence vote on Thursday, causing political instability in the country as it tries to combat skyrocketing energy costs and support a weakening economy.
In the 150-member parliament, 78 lawmakers approved the motion of no confidence. Even though the vote may pave the way for early elections, it will not result in an immediate change in the government.
Slovakia’s support for Ukraine, especially if the leftist opposition, which currently leads opinion polls and is critical of military aid to Kiev, is brought to power, could be impacted by holding an election before the scheduled date in 2024, which would require greater support in parliament.
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The president will ask the government to continue as a caretaker with limited powers until a new government is appointed when Prime Minister Eduard Heger submits his resignation.
In 2020, Heger’s coalition took power, but in September, the libertarian SaS party left the coalition in disagreement with the OLANO party in power.
The no-confidence vote was brought by SaS and a leftist opposition party, who said that the government was not helping people deal with the higher energy costs.
Support for Heger’s 2023 budget plan, which includes spending to offset energy prices, has been prevented by the political conflict that has developed since SaS left the government.
Igor Matovic, the leader of the OLANO party in power, had earlier on Thursday offered to resign as finance minister if SaS backed its budget plans and withdrew its no-confidence motion against the government.
However, SaS rejected the agreement, declaring the government’s demise inevitable.
“We have witnessed constant chaos and an unacceptable governance style for half a year. This administration doesn’t merit our trust,” SaS director Richard Sulik said.
