Sakova: Fico's Security to be Extended in Duration, Serious Reasons Abound

Sakova: Fico's Security to be Extended in Duration, Serious Reasons Abound

Bratislava, September 12 (TASR) – The Interior Ministry will approve the request lodged by Smer-SD chair Robert Fico to extend the period of time during which Fico has a security detail assigned, Interior Minister Denisa Sakova (Smer-SD) announced after the Government session on Wednesday.

“We’ve got serious reasons to believe that his health and life might be in danger,” stated Sakova, adding that she can’t detail any closer information, as it is confidential.

According to Sakova, Fico will have the security detail assigned until further notice. “We’ll be re-evaluating on a monthly basis and if the reasons are no longer present, the protected individual will lose the right to protection,” she said.

Sakova added that the former prime minister hasn’t asked for the provision of a motor vehicle. “In his application, he reported that he’s already using cars belonging to Smer-SD party,” she said.

Former interior minister Robert Kalinak (2012-18) hasn’t asked for extension of the assignment of his security detail.

This doesn’t sit well with opposition MP Lubomir Galko (Freedom and Solidarity), however, who harbours the conviction that no real security risks exist to justify the prolonged assignment of a security detail for Fico.

“Aside from this, it’s absolutely clear that the moment Robert Fico sticks out his nose in public without having two bodyguards or two security officers behind his back, he’ll get some. People will explain to him how happy they are with his previous political activities, and perhaps re-arrange his face a bit,” Galko said at a press conference held in the Parliament building.