The rector of Alexander Dubček University in Trenčín, Miroslav Mečár, will be invited to attend a session of the parliament’s Education Committee to respond to reports that the university has granted degrees under suspicious conditions, committee chair Tatiana Rosová (Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ)) announced on October 27. However, it is for the rector to decide whether he attends the session, according to Rosová.
Former education minister Martin Fronc (Christian-Democratic Movement (KDH)) proposed inviting Mečár. His initiative was backed by seven out of eight members of the committee, including MPs from both opposition and governing coalition parties. “We wanted to know the facts ... [in order] that half-truths aren't presented anymore,” said Oľga Nachtmannová (Smer), who also backed the proposal.
Education Minister Ján Mikolaj (Slovak National Party, SNS) indicated on October 26 that he will send an inspection team to the university to examine the alleged granting of degrees that usually take five years after a much shorter period. The practice of so-called ‘fast-track degrees’ at Trenčín University surfaced this week in connection with the daughter of a former vice-dean, and it has since been alleged that it was not an isolated incident.
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
