(source: TASR)
None of the opposition politicians actively took part in the eighth protest in front of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s private flat in the Bonaparte housing complex in Bratislava on August 8, aimed primarily at ousting Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer).
A crowd of some 3,000 people were entertained by Slovak humorists and satirists Milan Markovič and Rasťo Piško, and by former politician, actor and face of the 1989 Velvet Revolution Milan Kňažko, the TASR newswire reported.
Protests have been organised regularly since June 20 by opposition parties Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OĽaNO-NOVA), in response to the so-called Bašternák case.
“We’re here without any claim for money,” said Markovič, as quoted by TASR, adding that only awareness among citizens can make things happen.
The humorist is convinced that this issue has to be resolved on the street, as parliament and government do not work.
Piško read aloud a satirical letter, written by citizens of a fictional village called Horný Výplach who have been sending letters to Slovak prime ministers for years. His speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause.
Protest-goers were once again encouraged to sign a petition for Kaliňák’s ouster and, many chanted “Yuck!” or “Step down!” during the 90-minute protest, TASR wrote.
SaS and OĽaNO-NOVA are calling for Kaliňák’s dismissal over the Ladislav Bašternák tax fraud case. The minister allegedly helped to sweep the case under the carpet, according to the opposition.
