Discussions in government over the filling of the post of governor of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), the country’s central bank, and top positions at the Slovak Land Fund (SPF) are currently underway, Prime Minister Robert Fico's spokesperson Silvia Glendová announced on December 8. No agreement has yet been reached.
A week ago, all thirteen of the SPF's top representatives were dismissed in the wake of a scandal over land transfers in Prešov Region. The government will choose a new general director and his deputy; the remaining officials – 11 SPF Council members – will be chosen by parliament. The SITA newswire reported that Agriculture Minister Vladimír Chovan had nominated Ján Ilavský as general director and Gabriel Šebek as deputy prior to a cabinet meeting to be held today, Wednesday, December 9.
The term of incumbent NBS governor Ivan Šramko expires this year and the rules had forbidden him from seeking another term. However, a recent legislative change to the NBS Act lifted this ban, opening the way for Šramko to reapply for the post if supported by the government. Šramko has declined to comment, saying the issue will be resolved this month.
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
