LABOUR Minister Ľudovít Kaník survived an opposition-inspired no-confidence motion December 14. Only 66 MPs favoured the minister’s recall, 10 short of the required 76.
Kaník said that he has become a lightening rod for the opposition, which is unhappy with the leadership of the current ruling coalition, the daily SME wrote.
Opposition party Smer initiated the motion, accusing Kaník of mishandling the pensions reform and taking part in an advertising campaign for one of the new private pension-fund management companies.
Kaník has also been blamed for his failure to pay payroll taxes on behalf of his employees between 1997-1999. Social security provider Sociálna poisťovňa, has pardoned the minister a fine of Sk263,000 (€6,600).
Finance Minister Ivan Mikloš defended Kaník, saying that he had created a social system in which being employed pays and is more beneficial than living on state aid.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
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