Klára Orgovánová, the Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Government for the Roma Community, was replaced on June 20 with Anna Botošová, the daughter of renowned Roma violin player Berky Mrenica. The appointment marks a return to the Office of the Plenipotentiary for Botošová, who quit there to take up a position at the Labour Ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister Dušan Čaplovič explained the decision to dismiss Orgovánová, who had served in the post since June 2001, was based on her unwillingness to implement government priorities concerning the Roma community. He particularly disagreed with her focus on building new settlements rather than providing the community with education, employment, and healthcare.
Čaplovič believes constructing new settlements complete with shops, schools, and healthcare facilities would segregate the Roma into "ghettos", and prefers the community be integrated into the majority. But he added this does not mean he wants to stop building homes for those Roma living in poverty.
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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