Illustrative stock photo (source: TASR)
The Defence Ministry ordered a checking of its own tender for 4x4 transporters.
The Public Procurement Office (ÚVO) will audit the tender, the SITA newswire reported, adding that the ministry rejected any speculations.
The Defence Ministry plans to purchase more than 400 of the 4x4 vehicles worth €321 million without VAT.
Clearing doubts
However, the ministry received a permit for a purchase worth €780 million and the number of vehicles did not change. The ministry will create a framework contract with the winner of the tender for the next ten years.
The Defence Ministry cites its efforts for transparency and the disproving of any doubts as its motivation for filing an appeal with ÚVO to check on the international tender, said the spokesperson of the ministry, Danka Capáková.
“This is also how we want to distance ourselves from politically motivated, unjustified statements and attacks that lead to suspicions that only one applicant fulfilled the conditions,” she said, as quoted by SITA.
Doubts of opposition
The opposition has strongly criticised the purchase of the armed vehicles. They suspect the winner of the tender was given in advance.
Jaroslav Naď of the opposition Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OĽaNO) said that more millions will be required for the vehicles.
The ministry also prolonged the deadline for submitting offers – it is possible to apply by July 17. The ministry said that in case of doubt, it is ready to stop the tender.
