In the scandal, Slovak businessman and arms trader close to Prime Minister Robert Fico, Miroslav Výboh, was allegedly a go-between, mediating the bribe. The case, involving also Czech lobbyist Marek Dalík, is now being investigated in Austria.
The parliamentary committee – in which Smer MPs hold a majority – was summoned for November 11. However, all Smer MPs and also Martin Fedor of the non-parliamentary opposition Sieť party excused themselves from the session, the Sme daily wrote. Had Fedor shown up, the committee could have opened its session.
The opposition wanted to talk about security risks ensuing from the corruption case in the Czech Republic, featuring Výboh. Daniel Lipšic of Ordinary People and Independent Personalities/NOVA coalition (OĽaNO-Nova) is convinced that Výboh for sure is the Slovak who has been prosecuted in the case in Austria, whose name the Prosecutor’s Office does not want to reveal. In this case, only two Slovaks were engaged – Výboh and Fico himself, says Lipšic as quoted by Sme. If Výboh is not charged then it is Fico who faces charges, he concludes. In the Czech Republic, a court proceeding has also been opened.
Two people charged in Pandur case
Výboh has been charged in the case, believes Lipšic, as he directly participated in negotiations and allegedly demanded a kickback worth €18 million, introducing himself as “someone from the cabinet’s head’s office”.
Prime Minister Fico has earlier labelled the opposition’s claims regarding the Pandur case fabrications and lies.
12. Nov 2015 at 13:32 | Compiled by Spectator staff
