A SPECIAL parliamentary session will meet on April 6 to try to override the presidential veto of a key law regulating value-added tax (VAT) on exports and imports with European Union countries, the news wire TASR wrote.
The summons came at the request of Finance Minister Ivan Mikloš who warned that Slovakia needs the law to trade with EU countries and that the veto could even threaten accession to the bloc on May 1.
President Rudolf Schuster shocked the government on March 29 when he vetoed the law, apparently to protest the January 1 convergence of two VAT rates, which pushed up the cost of basic foodstuffs and other necessities.
Even though Schuster has a track record of vetoing legislation, his decision was a surprise given that the law in question does not concern the domestic VAT rate.
Although the ruling coalition lacks a parliamentary majority, it may expect to secure, with the help of independent MPs, the absolute majority of 76 votes needed to overturn a veto.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
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