Prime Minister Robert Fico is still facing questions after he hinted to Slovak Radio that the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) governor could have taken bribes.

Fico said on a radio programme over the weekend that bribes could have played a role in granting licenses to pension asset management companies, adding that the central governor was responsible for granting licenses.

Political scientist Peter Horváth said any effort to cast doubt on the NBS governor is a direct attempt to harm the reputation of the bank, the Sme daily reported on October 2. Such statements can cast doubt on the whole financial system, because the central bank is its most important item, Horváth told the daily.

Sme published Fico’s statement on the NBS in its Monday issue. But Fico denied saying anything about corruption in granting licenses on Monday.

NBS Governor Ivan Šramko said the daily misinterpreted Fico's statement. However, he asked what the PM meant by his statement.

-SITA

Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports

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