The V4 country is embroiled in an ongoing coalition crisis. Press reports suggest that the economy minister no longer insists on replacing the prime minister. Instead, he would like to see the health minister resign. The health minister s party appears open to negotiate about a potential replacement, but they continue to have unwavering support for the prime minister. The other ruling party outlined 5 specific measures as a pre-requisite to remaining in the cabinet, and the smallest coalition party is also demanding personal changes. Apparently, no one wants to hold a snap election.

Richard Sulik, the Slovak government s economy minister no longer insists on the replacement of Prime Minister Igor Matovic (OĽaNO) the HN online portal reports. It adds that Sulík, who is also chairman of the coalition s SaS party, would be satisfied with Markek Krajci s (OĽaNO) departure.

The parliamentary group and the leadership of all four coalition parties met on Wednesday, and a coalition council meeting was held in the evening. It was necessary because issues related to the procurement of the Russian jab have triggered a crisis in Slovakia s multi-party coalition government some 10 days ago.

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The SaS and Za ľudí (For the People) parties have objected to Matovic and Krajcí s actions in the matter and have been calling for a government reshuffle since early March. Economy minister and SaS chief Richard Sulik has demanded PM Matovic s departure in order for SaS to remain in the coalition, but he seems to have withdrawn that demand.

OĽaNO s parliamentary group stood by the prime minister on Wednesday. Group leader Michal Sipos said every coalition party should take a responsible approach to the situation, adding that the SaS – which they believe has downplayed the gravity of the situation since the onset of the pandemic – has yet to excercise self-reflection.

In addition, the party s parliamentary group leader confirmed that they are willing to negotiate only on the departure of Health Minister Marek Krajci, demanding Sulik s resignation in exchange. Sulik, however, would only resign on condition that PM Matovic also steps down. This condition was reiterated by SaS MP Jana Ciganikova in an interview with Radio Expres.

After the parliamentary group meeting of Sme rodina, the second strongest party in the coalition, Boris Kollar told a press conference that they want the four-party coalition to continue to govern the country and the government to remain in office until its term ends. However, their stay in government is tied to the adoption of concrete social measures, such as:

• one-off social aid to those most affected by the coronavirus crisis,
• moratorium on the payment of household utility costs, repayment of loans and execution for debts until 30 June,
• 100 million euros in aid to the tourism and hospitality sectors
• distribution of 5 masks for everyone free of charge with the help of pharmacies.

Za l udi, the smallest coalition party, also wants the four-party coalition to remain in place but demands personal changes. According to press reports, party leader Veronika Remisova is to present a set a concrete requests to partners. Some sources suggest that, similar to Sulik and his party, Zal udi also wants to see the departure of Krajci, because they believe the health minister has failed in terms of managing the coronavirus crisis.

Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has called on the government to take political responsibility, pointing out that  otherwise, in her view, the coalition government s stability cannot be restored.

The Slovak government is holding a meeting on Thursday. Earlier, Richard Sulik had promised to dislose additional details after the meeting.