Beblavy, Machackova, Petrik to Leave Siet, If It Goes With Smer

Bratislava, March 14 (TASR) – Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Miroslav Beblavy, Katarina Machackova and Simona Petrik announced that they will leave #Siet (Network), if the party inks a coalition agreement with Smer-SD.

“In our view, the ongoing coalition talks on the formation of government headed by Smer-SD represent not only a violation of our election commitments and promises on part of our top leaders, but it’s also extremely bad news for Slovakia,” said Beblavy.

Hope of forming a centre-right Government without Smer-SD is not lost yet, believes the trio. If, however, a Government headed by Smer-SD and involving Siet emerges, Machackova will serve in the Parliament as an Independent. Beblavy refused to comment on his future plans in such a scenario, whereas Petrik announced that he won’t relinquish his seat as an MP.

Without the three MPs, a Siet parliamentary caucus cannot be formed, as a minimum of eight lawmakers is required – thus dashing plans for the 85-MP strong governing coalition if Siet had joined in its entirety.