Transport Minister Roman Brecely (Sieť) will dismiss the new head of state-run freight railway company Cargo Pavúk, who was appointed to the post only on May 30. The main reason was his past, the Sme daily reported.
During the rule of the first Robert Fico government (2006-2010), Pavúk served as a member of Cargo’s board of directors. He was nominated by the Movement of a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), a member of the coalition at the time.
“When choosing Mr Pavúk to the post of temporary Cargo head we, unfortunately, insufficiently checked some important facts concerning his professional and political career,” Brecely said, as quoted by Sme. “I decided to correct this mistake immediately.”
Pavúk’s appointment has been widely criticised. Back in 2010 he was recalled from the post by former transport minister Ján Figeľ of the Christian Democratic Movement (2010-2012). The reason for his dismissal, as well as the dismissal of the whole management, was that during the years 2009-2010 the state freight carrier accumulated a loss of €120 million. It was the worst management of Cargo ever, Sme wrote.
Moreover, Pavúk could claim severance pay amounting to €130,000. He will receive no payment, only a salary for two days in function, Sme wrote.
In addition, Pavúk was an active member of HZDS. Back in 2010 he ran for the parliament from his slate where he occupied 10th position. Between the years 2009 and 2012 he served as a chair of the HZDS’s regional branch in Banská Bystrica, according to the daily.
The ministry has not said yet who will become the new Cargo head. Brecely promised to launch a selection procedure for the post.
