Flat tax sent back.

(From The Slovak Spectator)

Byline: LukaS Fila Spectator staff

FORMER Defence Minister and vice-chairman of the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKU) Ivan Simko launched a new political platform, the Free Forum (SF), on November 16. The group will unite SDKU members seeking to reform the party. SF supporters say they have no plans to break away from the SDKU just yet; however, further uncertainty seems to lie ahead for the coalition. According to a declaration signed by the supporters of Simko's platform, the main role of the SF is to reform from within the SDKU, from which, they say, "freedom, democracy, and Christianity are disappearing." Simko and six other MPs of the 28-member SDKU parliamentary caucus are involved in the initiative, among them Deputy Speaker of Parliament and SDKU vice-chair Zuzana Martinakova. Former member of the New Citizen's Alliance (ANO) and independent MP Branislav Opaterny also joined, although he has ruled out joining the SDKU at this time. The move has put into doubt the future of the fragile ruling coalition and its ability to push through further reform measures. Out of the 150-member parliament, 75 legislators are officially aligned with the caucus of the ruling coalition, which can also count on the support of 3 independent MPs, all former ANO members. Although members of the SF claim they are still a part of the ruling coalition and have no plans of leaving the SDKU, the coalition can no longer be certain of their votes. "We reserve the right to disagree with decisions of the SDKU's bodies that contradict the original SDKU program, or its values," reads the SF declaration, which also stresses that although SF members support reform efforts, they also "request their coordination to ensure that they are efficient, but also bearable" for the people. "The MPs in the platform will vote freely, according to their conscience and convictions," Simko himself told journalists (See interview with Simko on page 3). It is impossible to assess in advance how Simko's people will vote in parliament on any issue. The SDKU leadership has been slow in its reactions to the developments. "I welcome every inspiring proposal, including constructive criticism," said SDKU boss and Prime Minister MikulaS Dzurinda on November 18, stressing that such criticism can "move the party ahead". However, Dzurinda made it clear that freedom is not all that counts in politics. "Our freedom cannot efficiently function without responsibility, without certain rules," he said. Dzurinda appears uncertain when it comes to assessing the way ...