PRIME Minister Robert Fico has said that he plans to introduce a lower VAT rate for textbooks and internet connections. Fico is also considering increasing state support for mothers who have just had their first child.
Fico was speaking after a conference entitled 'Slovakia Before its Accession to the Eurozone', which was held in Bratislava on June 4 with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša in attendance.
In connection with the planned increase of support for first-time mothers, Fico admitted that he did not know how quickly it could happen, as it was "a question of talks". He guaranteed that the level of other social contributions would not decrease and said that he wanted to continue to give pensioners the 'Christmas bonus', a thirteenth month's payment at the end of the year.
Fico said he sees many more advantages than disadvantages in connection with the introduction of euro, even though the government realizes the risks connected with such a move.
